Silver Chalice, France, Early 19th Century

A tulip-shaped silver chalice, richly decorated with repoussé, chased, and guilloché work. The chalice rests on a circular foot with a cyma molding; the cyma is adorned with rosettes inscribed within circular medallions. The domed base is highlighted with a frieze of water leaves and decorated with a Jerusalem cross as well as Eucharistic symbols: a vine, a sheaf of wheat, a rush, and aquatic plants. The stem is composed of rings and collars decorated with friezes of rosaries and cords. It is embellished with a solid ovoid knop decorated with Eucharistic symbols and palm leaves. The regilded tulip cup is set within a false cup which features three oval medallions depicting Christ, Saint Peter, Saint James, and the Virgin and Child, and echoes the floral motifs adorning the chalice's base. Made of 950/1000 silver, with the Minerva hallmark. This chalice was crafted by the Parisian silversmith Nicolas-Xavier Goulain, whose hallmark was registered around 1813. Height: 29.5 cm; Base: 15 cm; Maximum diameter of the cup: 9.3 cm; Net weight: 565 g. Very good condition. No dents or damage. Note: traces of an old restoration on the base, without any impact on the chalice's stability; it remains upright and stable.