c. 1870

Chalice

French, 1822 - 1901

One of two principal manufacturers of ecclesiastical metalwork in mid- to late-nineteenth-century France, Armand-Calliat is noted for decorating each piece with images directly related to its function. This chalice, for example, was to be used in the Christian ritual of the sacrament, which commemorates the sacrifice of Christ. The vessel's ornamentation clearly reflects this purpose: on the four large lobes of the base are scenes of the sacrifices of Abraham, Melchizedek, Enoch, and Abel. Four corresponding panels on the bowl show scenes from the Passion of Christ.