Poussielgue-Rusand - Chalice - Vermeil - Chalice in Flamboyant Neo-Gothic style

Flamboyant Neo-Gothic Chalice in silver and vermeil - Manufacture Placide Poussielgue-Rusand (Paris) - Circa 1860 - 1880 This chalice stands as a magistral testimony to the revival of sacred art in France in the 19th century, driven by the Neo-Gothic architectural movement. Directed by Marie Benoît Placide Poussielgue Rusand — the official goldsmith to the French Episcopate and a historic collaborator of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc — the manufacture offers here a piece of remarkable craftsmanship, directly inspired by the architectural vocabulary of 13th-century cathedrals. The Cup & the False-Cup: The upper lip bears the consecratory Latin phrase engraved in Gothic lettering: “HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI.” It interlocks with a finely perforated false-cup, with a rigorous outline, adorned with trilobed motifs and medieval scrollwork. The Stem & the Knot: The cylindrical stem is rhythmically banded by moulded rings and centered by a substantial flattened-lens knot, embellished with stylized foliage carved with great clarity. The Foot: The chalice rests on a broad polylobed foot with a Doucine profile. The decoration, alternating between glossy relief and amatis (mat gold) backgrounds, highlights acanthus scrolls and volutes of perfect symmetry. Macroscopically, six official marks and stamps are visible, guaranteeing absolute authenticity, the metal’s purity, provenance, and the work’s integrity: - Title Mark (French State): The head of the goddess Minerva (First Title) within an octagon. It scientifically certifies a solid-silver piece of exceptional purity at 950/1000, plated with a fine gold coating (Vermeil). - Nominative Stamp: The maker’s mark “POUSSIELGUE” deeply engraved along the rim. - Master’s Mark: The official lozenge of the goldsmith housing the initials P.R. encasing a marine anchor topped with a cross. - Small-Garantie Mark: A boar’s head stamped on the edge of the foot, confirming official control at the Paris office after 1838. - Serial Number: The unique serial number 2677 hand-engraved, confirming the entry of this high-end piece in the manufacture’s inventory registers. - Assembly Mark: The workshop number 12, guaranteeing that all elements (cup, stem, knot, base) were created and fitted together originally. It formally excludes the hypothesis of a composite object ("remonté"). Very good overall condition for its age, with signs of use, fine scratches, and occasional wear of the gilding compatible with its age and liturgical use. See detailed photographs. The Poussielgue-Rusand signature combined with the first title of silver (Minerva 1) and such a pure Neo-Gothic style place this object in the most sought-after category of 19th-century religious goldsmithing. The photos are an integral part of the object description and complement its presentation. They allow one to assess its condition and features. Please examine them carefully before any commitment. The piece will be carefully packed and shipped with a tracking number, to ensure fast and secure delivery. Happy bidding

Estimate:$3,025.19

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