Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > Design Museum
The Magdalen Cup, 1573-74 (silver gilt)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
The Magdalen Cup, 1573-74 (silver gilt)
3073019 The Magdalen Cup, 1573-74 (silver gilt) by Roussel, Nicaise (d.c.1623) (attr. to); height: 19.3 cm; Manchester Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: The Magdalen Cup receives its name from its beaker shape, the iconographic symbol of Mary Magdalen. The cover is ornamented with repousse swags, the foot has a chased fillet and the bowl is covered with grotesque engraved decoration; strapwork on the lid.
Made by the silversmith with MH mark, London 1557. Silver gilt, with engraved and hammered decoration Engraving or cutting into the surface of metal, to create fine, incised linear decoration, was a highly skilled and specialised craft. In the past, engravers usually remained anonymous because they did not mark or sign their work. However, this cup is thought to be by Nicaise Roussel, an immigrant from Bruges living in London from 1573. The fanciful design is typical of his work at this time. Birds, fruit, sea creatures, snails and winged masks mingle with curving scrolls and festoons of drapery. This style of ornament is often known as grotesque and is derived from classical wall paintings. Purchased with the aid of a grant from the Victoria and Albert Museum and with the assistance of The Art Fund and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
); © Manchester Art Gallery ; Purchased with the aid of a grant from the Victoria and Albert Museum and with the assistance of The Art Fund and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
Media ID 32120086
© Manchester Art Gallery Purchased with the aid of a grant from the Victoria and Albert Museum and with the assistance of The Art Fund and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths / Bridgeman Images
Beaker Chalice Engraved Magdalen Magdalene Repousse Silverware Northern Renaissance
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> S
> Sea Snail
> Animals
> Insects
> Snails
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mollusks
> Sea Snail
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Design Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> V&A (Victoria & Albert)
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Paintings
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Christopher Richard Wynne Nevinson
> Fine Art Finder
> Silver And Gold
> Historic
> Renaissance art
> Northern Renaissance art
> Renaissance art
> Historic
> Renaissance art
> Northern Renaissance art
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Magdalen Cup, created in 1573-74 by the silversmith Nicaise Roussel, is a stunning example of silver gilt craftsmanship. Standing at a height of 19.3 cm, this beaker-shaped cup derives its name from its association with Mary Magdalen. The intricate design features repousse swags on the cover, a chased fillet on the foot, and grotesque engraved decoration covering the bowl. Engraving or cutting into metal surfaces to create fine incised linear decorations was an art form that required immense skill and specialization. While most engravers remained anonymous in history due to their lack of marking or signing their work, it is believed that Nicaise Roussel crafted this remarkable cup. Roussel was an immigrant from Bruges who resided in London during this period. The cup's fanciful design showcases Roussel's unique style at the time. It incorporates elements such as birds, fruit, sea creatures, snails, winged masks, curving scrolls, and festoons of drapery – all inspired by classical wall paintings and commonly referred to as grotesque ornamentation. This exquisite piece now resides at Manchester Art Gallery in the UK after being purchased with assistance from grants provided by the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as The Art Fund and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. Its acquisition ensures that future generations can appreciate both its historical significance and exceptional beauty captured within its silver gilt surface.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
