Ontwerp voor een miskelk c. 1845 - 1860

This is a design for a chalice by Frédéric-Jules Rudolphi. It's rendered in watercolor and ink, likely on paper. The design suggests a great deal about the probable manufacture of the object, had it been realized. The main material would have been precious metal, probably gold or silver gilt, requiring skill in metal forming by raising or hammering. Note the intricate enamel work in blue, red and gold. This would have required a highly trained goldsmith able to work at a small scale. The techniques evident in the design connect it to long traditions of fine metalwork, associated with wealth and religious ceremony. The form of the chalice is itself symbolic, with its base, stem and cup representing different aspects of the Christian faith. The labor involved in such a commission would have been considerable, reflecting the patron's desire to display power, piety, and status through conspicuous consumption. Ultimately, this design bridges the realms of art and craft, reminding us that both are inextricably linked to social values and material practices.