Poussielgue-rusand Flamboyant Neo-gothic Vermeil Chalice - Paris, 19th Century
Flamboyant Neo-Gothic Chalice in Silver and Vermeil - Manufacture Placide Poussielgue-Rusand (Paris) - Circa 1860–1880
This chalice is a masterful testament to the revival of sacred art in 19th-century France, driven by the Neo-Gothic architectural movement.
Led by Marie Benoît Placide Poussielgue-Rusand—official goldsmith to the French Episcopate and longtime collaborator of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc— the workshop has produced a piece of remarkable craftsmanship, directly inspired by the architectural vocabulary of 13th-century cathedrals.
Description
The Cup & the False Cup: The upper rim bears the Latin consecration phrase engraved in Gothic letters:
“HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI.” It is set within an openwork false cup with precise lines, adorned with trefoil motifs and medieval scrollwork.
The Stem & the Knot: The cylindrical stem is punctuated by molded bands and centered by a prominent flattened lens-shaped knot, adorned with stylized foliage chiseled with great precision.
The Base: The calyx rests on a broad, poly-lobed foot with a doucine. The decoration, alternating between polished relief and amati (matte gold) backgrounds, highlights acanthus scrolls and volutes of perfect symmetry.
Macroscopic examination reveals six official marks and hallmarks that guarantee the work’s absolute authenticity, the metal’s fineness, its provenance, and its integrity:
Fineness Mark (French State): The head of the goddess Minerva (1st Title) within an octagon. It scientifically certifies a solid silver core of exceptional purity (950/1000), overlaid with a fine gold plating (vermeil).
Manufacturer’s Mark: The manufacturer’s mark “POUSSIELGUE” engraved in full on the rim.
Master’s Hallmark: The goldsmith’s official diamond-shaped mark containing the initials P.R. framing a nautical anchor surmounted by a cross.
Small Hallmark: A boar’s head stamped on the edge of the base, confirming official inspection by the Paris office after 1838.
Registration Number: The unique serial number 2677, hand-engraved, confirming that this high-end piece is listed in the manufacturer’s inventory records.
Assembly Mark: The workshop number 12, guaranteeing that all components (cup, stem, knob, base) were originally created and fitted together. It categorically rules out the possibility that this is a composite (“reassembled”) object.
Condition
Very good overall condition considering its age, with signs of use, fine scratches, and isolated wear on the gilding consistent with its age and liturgical use. See detailed photographs.
The Poussielgue-Rusand signature, combined with the first silver hallmark (Minerva 1) and such a pure Neo-Gothic style, places this object in the most sought-after category of 19th-century religious silverwork.
This chalice is a masterful testament to the revival of sacred art in 19th-century France, driven by the Neo-Gothic architectural movement.
Led by Marie Benoît Placide Poussielgue-Rusand—official goldsmith to the French Episcopate and longtime collaborator of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc— the workshop has produced a piece of remarkable craftsmanship, directly inspired by the architectural vocabulary of 13th-century cathedrals.
Description
The Cup & the False Cup: The upper rim bears the Latin consecration phrase engraved in Gothic letters:
“HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI.” It is set within an openwork false cup with precise lines, adorned with trefoil motifs and medieval scrollwork.
The Stem & the Knot: The cylindrical stem is punctuated by molded bands and centered by a prominent flattened lens-shaped knot, adorned with stylized foliage chiseled with great precision.
The Base: The calyx rests on a broad, poly-lobed foot with a doucine. The decoration, alternating between polished relief and amati (matte gold) backgrounds, highlights acanthus scrolls and volutes of perfect symmetry.
Macroscopic examination reveals six official marks and hallmarks that guarantee the work’s absolute authenticity, the metal’s fineness, its provenance, and its integrity:
Fineness Mark (French State): The head of the goddess Minerva (1st Title) within an octagon. It scientifically certifies a solid silver core of exceptional purity (950/1000), overlaid with a fine gold plating (vermeil).
Manufacturer’s Mark: The manufacturer’s mark “POUSSIELGUE” engraved in full on the rim.
Master’s Hallmark: The goldsmith’s official diamond-shaped mark containing the initials P.R. framing a nautical anchor surmounted by a cross.
Small Hallmark: A boar’s head stamped on the edge of the base, confirming official inspection by the Paris office after 1838.
Registration Number: The unique serial number 2677, hand-engraved, confirming that this high-end piece is listed in the manufacturer’s inventory records.
Assembly Mark: The workshop number 12, guaranteeing that all components (cup, stem, knob, base) were originally created and fitted together. It categorically rules out the possibility that this is a composite (“reassembled”) object.
Condition
Very good overall condition considering its age, with signs of use, fine scratches, and isolated wear on the gilding consistent with its age and liturgical use. See detailed photographs.
The Poussielgue-Rusand signature, combined with the first silver hallmark (Minerva 1) and such a pure Neo-Gothic style, places this object in the most sought-after category of 19th-century religious silverwork.
Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or to request more photos of the items offered for sale.
3 000 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Good condition
Material: Vermeil
Diameter: 14 cm
Height: 22,5 cm
Reference (ID): 1829325
Availability: In stock
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