Cup with scenes from the New Testament (one of a pair)

Franz Fischer

early 17th century · Silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Vessels with religious imagery were treasured in the households of Protestant patricians, where they reinforced communal identity during dining and drinking rituals. This cup—numbered 6 indicates that it was once part of a larger set—is ornamented with scenes from the New Testament, including Mary Magdalen anointing Christ’s feet, Christ curing palsy and restoring a blind man’s sight, and the Good Samaritan.

Artist

Franz Fischer

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

German, Nuremberg

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917