Chalice And Its Paten, Silver Gilt France Circa 1900, By Paul Brunet Goldsmith

Set of chalice and its paten in gilded silver. France, circa 1900, by Paul Brunet, goldsmith. The chalice is entirely made of gilded silver. It is made up of four screwed elements: a foot, a shaft, the cup with flared rim and the false cup. The circular foot is bordered by a wide frieze composed of acanthus leaves and oval pearls, the ends of which are welded to a base, while the upper part is topped with a pearl necklace. The terrace of the foot has three cherub heads cast in high relief, reported on a guilloche decoration, they are also found on the knot and the false cup of the chalice. These heads alternate either with instruments of the Passion (on the terrace or the false cup), or with fruits on the ovoid knot, which is surrounded by two ribs, each framed by molded pearl rings. The cup, tulip-shaped, is set two-thirds in a false cup that extends and enriches the ornamental motifs present on the terrace of the chalice. The paten that accompanies the chalice is decorated with a chased medallion representing The Last Supper. This medallion is signed by Montagny Fleury, a French engraver, chaser and medallist of the 19th century. This chalice is inspired by models common in the second half of the 17th century. A chalice with very similar decoration was made in Rennes around 1670 by the goldsmith Nicolas Boullemer. 950/1000 silver, Minerva hallmarks. Master goldsmith: Paul Brunet, active in Paris from 1871 to 1913. A great specialist in goldwork intended for the church, he was awarded several medals at exhibitions (1876, 1878, etc.). His works are preserved in museums and cathedrals in France. Chalice: Height: 26 cm Base: 15.7 cm Weight: 715 g Paten: Diameter: 16.5 cm Weight: 207 g The whole is in perfect condition, without shocks, scratches or restorations. The traces of use are minimal. It is kept in its transport case, which is in very good condition. Sources: Dictionary of liturgical arts 19th-20th centuries, ISBN 2-85917-215-7, Les Editions de l'Amateur, 1996, pages 140-142. Cahiers du Patrimoine, Les orfèvres de Haute-Bretagne, page 305.