Post Medieval Gilt Bronze Chalice with Biblical Proverb in Latin

CONTINENTAL EUROPE, CIRCA 19TH CENTURY A.D.

4 3/8 in. (575 grams, 11.2 cm wide).

Squat in profile with stepped and carinated foot, deep shoulder to the bowl; engraved to the outer face in batada script between double horizontal rulings the legend 'Luxuriosa res vinum et tumultuosa ebrietas', a quotation from the biblical book of Proverbs, 20:1, translating to 'Wine is [a] luxurious [thing], and drunkenness is riotous'.

Provenance

Acquired in Paris, France, circa 2000.
Personal collection of a Suffolk lady, UK.

Literature

Cf. Wheeler, R.E.M. (ed.), London Museum Catalogues: No.7, Medieval Catalogue, London, 1940, pl.LIX, for a more elaborate version of the type.

Footnotes

The biblical sentence was retaken by Saint Paul, who, wanting to warn the believers against the power of wine, similarly instructed by saying: ‘Beware of drunken wine, where there is luxury’. This kind of gluttony was considered by the Fathers of the Church dangerous, in that, after it has deprived the drinker of all rational sense, it opens and reveals and releases from his chest every secret, every hidden thing: it was considered a prodigal throwaway of its own goods and those of others, deaf to rebukes, and a destroyer of every praiseworthy custom.

CONDITION

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LOT 0385