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Chalice, late 18th century
Mexican
Silver gilt; H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
Marks: (1) crowned M, in reserve (Mexico City); (2) F C D A, in rectangle (assayer's mark [fiel contraste]) Antonio Forcada y la Plaza, Assayer, Mexico City, 1790–1818; (3) Flying eagle (tax mark)
Bequest of Alphonso T. Clearwater, 1933 (33.120.68a)

The torqued ribs of this chalice's foot grow out of the Rococo style, the fashion that dominated Europe during the mid-eighteenth century. This style lingered much longer in ecclesiastical circles in Mexico, as is shown by this transitional piece, dating after 1790. The chalice bowl, however—with its radiating laurel leaves, twisted ribbon, and beading—conforms to the newer classicizing mode.

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    Chalice, late 18th century
    Mexican
    Silver gilt; H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
    Marks: (1) crowned M, in reserve (Mexico City); (2) F C D A, in rectangle (assayer's mark [fiel contraste]) Antonio Forcada y la Plaza, Assayer, Mexico City, 1790–1818; (3) Flying eagle (tax mark)
    Bequest of Alphonso T. Clearwater, 1933 (33.120.68a)