Embossed and chased gilded silver chalice. Mexico. Dated 1736. A magnificent example of Novohispanic silversmithing. This chalice can be related to the Chalice of Saint Andrew, made circa 1714 and housed in the Parish Church of San Andrés de Mataluenga, León. Both feature a circular base with two zones, albeit with different ornamentation—this one is adorned with fluted borders on the lower section and a repeated vegetal motif on the upper. In both examples, the stem consists of several mouldings, and the flattened spherical node is practically identical, decorated with cherubs and vine branches. The sub-cups in both pieces are bulbous, and in our chalice, we again find the alternating motifs of vine branches and vegetal elements, with the vine being the most recurring decorative element—an unmistakable Eucharistic symbol. The base is engraved with the inscription: 'LO DIODE LIMOSNA Dn FRANCO DE TORES A EL PVEBLO DE TA...QVILLO EN EL * AÑO DE 1736 * POR EL MES DE OCTVBRE * A * 22* ' Measurements: 23.5 x 14.3 x 14.3 cm.   Reference Bibliography: - Exhibition catalogue 'Arte Americanista en Castilla y León'. Iglesia de la Magdalena church. Valladolid. 1992.