Antique Baroque Silver Chalice With Paten. Jean Brigaud, Paris Circa 1838

Magnificent French Baroque-style liturgical chalice, accompanied by its matching paten and with an antique case, signed by the renowned silversmith Jean Brigaud, active in Paris from 1838 until his death in 1858. This unique piece, crafted in solid silver and partially gilded, represents one of his earliest creations, as evidenced by the official French hallmarks of Paris and the silversmith, corresponding to the period 1819–1838. The hallmarks are present both on the base and the cup of the chalice, confirming its authenticity and quality.

The design of the chalice stands out for its solemn elegance and rich Christian iconography. The elevated foot features three high-relief scenes from the Passion of Christ: the Agony in the Garden, the Crucifixion, and the Descent from the Cross, separated by symbolic vegetal elements such as ears of wheat, grape clusters, and reeds, all executed with exceptional finesse. A decorative border of rosettes and ribbons frames the base in typical Baroque style.

The central knop, bulbous in shape, is adorned with winged cherub heads and floral motifs, alternating in perfect balance. The cup, gilded on the inside, is supported by an openwork structure with three symbolic medallions in relief: the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eucharistic Pelican feeding its chicks, and the Mystic Lamb resting on the book with the seven seals. These elements are integrated with wheat, vines, and reeds, creating a deeply devotional visual narrative.

The paten, also in sterling silver, bears the engraved "IHS" monogram surrounded by a crown of thorns, a radiant cross, and the nails of the Passion. It retains the Minerva head hallmark, the French guarantee for 950 silver, confirming its very high quality.

The set is completed by a case, made of wood covered in black imitation leather on the outside and lined with red velvet on the inside. It shows normal signs of use consistent with its age but still fulfills its protective function and adds value to the piece.

Jean Brigaud was a prestigious 19th-century French silversmith, born in Paray-le-Monial on April 28, 1802, and died in Paris on June 7, 1858. He established his workshop at 4 Cour de Harlay in Paris, where he developed a successful career specializing in the creation of sacred objects in silver and gilt silver. On December 7, 1838, he officially registered his first-title silver hallmark, active until June 18, 1861, three years after his death.

His production focused on high-quality liturgical pieces such as chalices, patens, ciboria, and monstrances, crafted using mixed techniques of repoussé, chasing, piercing, and gilding. His works are distinguished by refined ornamentation in Neo-Renaissance and Louis XVI styles, with strong Christian iconography: cherubs, Gospel scenes, wheat, vines, mystical lambs, angels, and floral motifs. These are devotional objects that are both functional and artistic.

Among his documented works are a chalice in the church of Polveroso (Corsica), a ciborium in the church of Épersy (Savoie), a monstrance in Vicq-d’Auribat (Landes), and a chalice and paten set in Tannay (Nièvre), all dated between 1838 and 1861 and bearing Brigaud’s hallmarks. A ciborium in Niort (Deux-Sèvres) also bears his mark, demonstrating the geographical reach and lasting legacy of his work in French parishes.

Pieces signed by Brigaud are rare on the current market and highly valued by collectors, ecclesiastical institutions, and sacred art experts. His work represents the excellence of 19th-century French religious art, during a period of liturgical revival following the Revolution and under the influence of spiritual Romanticism.

This chalice is ideal for a priest or someone about to be ordained, and it would also be perfect for reintroducing into church use, especially in a parish that values liturgical tradition. It is also a magnificent piece for museums, private collections, or religious institutions dedicated to preserving devotional heritage.

A piece that combines faith, art, and silversmith mastery in a sublime expression of 19th-century Catholic tradition.

Dimensions: 31.5 × 16 × 9.3 cm (12.4 × 6.3 × 3.66 in). Paten: 13.8 cm (5.43 in). Weight: 769 g (chalice 680 g, paten 89 g).

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