Silver Chalice, Restoration Period – Paris, 1819–1838

Solid silver chalice, Restoration period – Étienne-Auguste Genty – 1819–1838

French liturgical chalice in solid silver, made during the Restoration, between 1819 and 1838, and attributed to the Parisian silversmith Étienne-Auguste Genty based on the master’s hallmark

Description

The chalice rests on a broad, circular, stepped foot, richly decorated with repoussé, chiseled, and engraved details. The rim features an elegant radiating design of foliage, palmettes, and stylized motifs, complemented around the edge by a quatrefoil pattern.

The stem, punctuated by molded rings and beaded friezes, features a beautiful ovoid knot adorned with vine sprigs and grape clusters, a Eucharistic symbol directly associated with the consecrated wine and the blood of Christ.

The cup, with its slightly flared tulip shape, contrasts in its simplicity with the richness of the stem. Its interior is gilded, in accordance with the tradition of liturgical silverwork.

The piece bears several French hallmarks:
a 1st-title hallmark, corresponding to 950/1000 silver,
a master’s mark, as well as a guarantee mark attributed to the Périgueux office, identified by the letter P.
The existence of provincial hallmark offices, including that of Périgueux, is well documented in the French system for inspecting gold and silverware.

Period: Restoration, 1819–1838
Silversmith: Étienne-Auguste Genty, Paris (attribution based on the hallmark and historical documentation)
Hallmark: Périgueux office, letter P
Material: solid sterling silver, interior of the bowl gilded
Fineness: 950/1000
Height: 28 cm
Weight: 385 g

A very fine example of French religious silverwork from the first half of the 19th century, combining architectural elements still derived from the Empire style with a rich Eucharistic decoration characteristic of pieces intended for worship.

Condition:

In very good condition. Some signs of use, fine scratches, and wear on the interior gilding, all perfectly consistent with the object’s age and liturgical function.

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