Venetian Chalice
This late 16th-century chalice is a fine example of artistic craftsmanship.
Around the base, a sequence of winged cherub heads alternates with fruit, notably the pomegranate, a symbol of the Resurrection in Christian tradition. The stem is a work of art in itself: a plaited band develops into pierced motifs and engraved palmettes, culminating in an egg-shaped knop decorated with fruit and ears of wheat. The cup, finely worked with embossed and pierced motifs, takes up the winged cherubs again, giving the chalice a sense of continuity. The hallmarks on the piece, typical of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, point to a silversmith working in the Veneto.
