聖杯 - Silver - Gioacchino Belli 1815-22

LITURGICAL CALICE IN SILVER
Gioacchino Belli
Rome, about 1815–1822
Primary attribution based on punch marks, technical characteristics and stylistic setting

CATALOGUE DATA
Artist / workshop: Gioacchino Belli, primary attribution
Place of execution: Rome
Chronology: about 1815–1822
Object: Liturgical chalice
Material: Silver, with gilding on the interior
Technique: Plate work, turning, chasing, embossing and gilding
Height: 26.5 cm
Cup diameter: 8.5 cm
Base diameter: 13 cm
Weight: 422 g
Punches: workshop stamp G11B and Pontifical chamber mark post-1815, impressed in several points of the work
State of conservation: Good, with normal signs of use, oxidation; interior gilding preserved

DESCRIPTION
Elegant silver liturgical chalice, with harmonious proportions and slender form, characterized by a refined neoclassical decorative scheme where the sobriety of the structure combines with an ornament repertoire of late 18th-century derivation.

The cup, slightly truncated-conical and flared, presents at the lower part a continuous ornamental band made up of lanceolate leaves, raised in relief and accurately defined by chasing. The decoration unfolds in a regular and orderly rhythm, enhancing the metal surface and emphasizing the transition to the sub-cup. A circular molding, clear and well marked, connects the cup to the underlying structure.

The sub-cup repeats the decorative language of the cup and introduces the transition to the stem through a calibrated succession of molded elements and circular joints.

The stem, articulated into multiple turned and molded elements, is built through a succession of circular profiles, joints and swollen shapes that give the overall vertical movement a balanced direction. The vegetal ornament, coupled with the strict spacing of the moldings, highlights the neoclassical character of the object.

The base, wide, circular and stepped, presents a continuous ornamental band with lanceolate leaves and palmette motifs. The central field, smooth and slightly convex, creates an effective contrast with the decorated band and gives the base a visually solid yet elegant structure.

The interior of the cup is gilded, in keeping with the traditional liturgical use of the object. The exterior surface bears a patina of use and widespread traces of manual workmanship, particularly legible in the decorated areas, elements that contribute to the perception of authenticity and artisanal quality of the work.

PUNCH MARKS
The chalice bears multiple punches impressed on the cup, the sub-cup and the base, a circumstance of particular interest for identification and chronological framing of the work.

Among the marks is recognizable the workshop stamp G11B, accompanied by the Pontifical chamber mark introduced with the 1815 punch reform.

The presence of this system of marks constitutes an important chronological element and allows situating the object within Roman silverware dating from after 1815.

It should be noted that the G11B punch is documented in relation to Gioacchino Belli’s workshop and is known to have been used by his son Pietro Belli in the period immediately after the father’s death.

This circumstance theoretically makes a dating possible up to about 1825. However, in the specific case of this chalice, the overall stylistic and technical characteristics — quality of vegetal ornament, neoclassical structuring, the spacing of moldings and the balanced relationship between decoration and architectural framework — suggest a stronger likelihood of production within Gioacchino Belli’s workshop, particularly in the period 1815–1822.

Proposed attribution
Gioacchino Belli, primary attribution
Rome, 1815–1822 circa

HISTORICO-ARTISTIC FRAME
The chalice fits into the Roman silverware production of the early 19th century, a phase characterized by the progressive assertion of neoclassical taste, accompanied by the persistence of late 18th-century decorative motifs.

The object’s construction, strictly articulated through moldings and geometric profiles, is enriched by a vegetal repertoire mainly consisting of lanceolate leaves and palmette motifs. The decoration does not override the architectural structure of the chalice but integrates harmoniously with it, according to a principle of balance particularly significant for the neoclassical culture.

The stem’s construction, the base’s breadth and the orderly rhythm of the different parts confer on the piece a character that is elegant, solemn and functional to liturgical use.

The quality of chasing and repoussé work, together with the turning of structural elements and the interior gilding of the cup, highlights a production of a skilled artisanal level.

CONDITION
The chalice appears in good condition considering its age and intended use.

Normal signs of use, oxidation, in addition to natural traces of manual workmanship. The repoussé and chasing decoration is overall legible and well preserved.

The interior gilding of the cup is preserved, maintaining the object’s original liturgical function.