Bas-relief Representing The Chalice Of The Blessed Sacrament - Venice, 16th Century

Nembro marble stone bas-relief representing the Chalice of the Blessed Sacrament
Venice, 16th century
Height: 46 cm – Width: 24.5 cm (small losses in the upper part)

Carved in high relief in a marble stone typical of the Nembro region, this panel depicts an ornate chalice, surmounted by a host showing the crucified Christ. The gadrooned cup is decorated with a frieze of floral scrolls. The knot has a braided motif, while the foot rests on a foliate base.

This type of bas-relief was intended to be inserted into a wall, probably above a main entrance – a church door or a devotional school – to indicate the location of a schola of the Blessed Sacrament. These brotherhoods, active in all Venetian parishes except that of Saint Mark, had as their principal function the adoration of the consecrated host, and played a role in the administration of viaticum to the dying.

The representation emphasizes the liturgical link between the Eucharistic chalice and the mystery of the Passion, recalled here by the figure of the Crucified inscribed in the host. The relief, although partially damaged in its upper part, retains the essential part of its ornamental vocabulary and its iconographic readability.