Chalice and Paten
c. 1450–1480
- Medium
- gilt silver and filigree enamel
- Classification
- Metalwork
- Dimensions
- Overall: 24.6 cm (9 11/16 in.)
- Culture
- Hungary, Budapest?, 15th century
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Medieval Art
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
- Rights
- Public domain (CC0), as the museum states it.
- Who can see it
- Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed
View at the Cleveland Museum of Art
About this work
The chalice and paten—the most important liturgical vessels—are used at the altar by the priest for the consecration of the Eucharistic bread and wine during the celebration of the mass. This chalice survives with its original paten. The form of the chalice evolved over the centuries. Gothic chalices, like this one, gradually developed angular or faceted knops, generally hexagonal, with lobed feet. This sublime example is decorated with filigree enamel consisting of twisted gold wire forming a floral design, which in turn is filled with colorful glass pastes. Gemstones add to the embellishment.
