Chalice

Unknown

ca. 1230–50 · Silver, gilded silver, niello, and jewels · The Cloisters

This chalice is one of an ensemble containing some of the elements needed for the celebration of the Eucharist: the paten for the bread (acc. no. 47.101.27), the chalice to hold the wine, and, exceptionally, a straw to sip the wine (acc. no. 47.101.28). The decoration of this chalice juxtaposes scenes from the life of Christ with those of Old Testament events that were considered to prefigure the New. The twelve apostles encircle the bowl of the chalice. The representation of Saint Trudpert on the paten indicates that the ensemble was made for the monastery dedicated to him near Freiburg im Breisgau, where he was martyred.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1230–50

Medium

Silver, gilded silver, niello, and jewels

Culture

German

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1947