Chalice of Peter of Sassoferrato

Unknown

ca. 1341–42 · Silver-gilt, translucent enamels · The Cloisters

This opulent chalice, with richly colored and exquisitely drawn enamels, represents the Crucifixion, the Virgin, and Saints John the Evangelist, Louis of Toulouse, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua (?). Seraphim decorate the spandrels and collar above. On the knop are Saints Michael, Francis, Mary Magdalene (?), Catherine of Alexandria (?), and Elizabeth of Hungary (?). The inscription refers to the donor, Brother Peter of the Penitentiary, and the town of Sassoferrato in Umbria (Marche) and warns that the chalice should not be sold or destroyed. Brother Peter was appointed to the Sacred Order of the Penitentiary by Pope Benedict XII in December 1341. The cup is a replacement, perhaps of the fifteenth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1341–42

Medium

Silver-gilt, translucent enamels

Culture

Italian

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1988