Recusant Chalice c. 1640

Curator: This is the Recusant Chalice, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It stands just over 18 centimeters tall. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is its quiet dignity. It's simple, yet carries a weight of history, like a whispered secret. Curator: Crafted from silver, its maker is only known through the mark RB inside a shield. "Recusant" refers to those who refused to attend Anglican services, clinging to their Catholic faith in secrecy. Editor: The chalice's form, with its restrained ornamentation, speaks of that concealment. It's less about ostentation and more about quiet devotion. See how the light plays on the facets of its base? Curator: It's a tangible link to a time of persecution. Imagining it used in hidden ceremonies adds a layer of profound meaning. Editor: Absolutely. And examining its structure, the balance between the cup and the base, it creates a visual echo of resilience, holding steadfast against adversity. Curator: A humble object, yet brimming with defiance. Editor: I leave with a sense of the sacred made simple, a potent combination.