2-888-489 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

No. 41., Italian Chalice - 15th Century, 1850. Item from an Exhibition of Ancient and Medieval Art in London: 'This example is executed in copper gilt, and is ornamented with enamels of the Apostles round the knob or handle. Notwithstanding that there are many of these chalices of very high antiquity yet extant in our colleges and churches, it is a curious fact that, in the year 1193, all other means of raising the sum required for the ransom of Richard Coeur de Lion having failed, the whole of the church plate in the kingdom was cheerfully contributed for this purpose, the King promising to make restitution when he recovered his liberty - a promise which he subsequently faithfully performed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.