A Short History of the Middle Ages Fourth Edition

Plate 7.1: Chalice (c.1300). This gilded silver chalice, one of a pair made in the Rhineland, graphically
shows the connection between the wine of the Eucharist and Christ’s blood. On a large knob just below the
cup, the goldsmith has placed medallions stamped with Christ’s head alternating with rosettes that represent
the five wounds of Christ. Each rosette sprouts a vine tendril that spreads its leaves on the base of the
chalice, reminding communicants of the grapes that were pressed into the wine.