Chalice

This silver gilt chalice was an offering to the Monastery of São Miguel de Refoios from Dom Gueda Mendes, and is the earliest piece in the precious metalwork collection of the Museum. It is a 12th century masterpiece with a profuse decorative scheme, unparalleled in Portugal, in which figurative representation prevails over the geometric or plant motifs. The cup features Christ and the Apostles, framed by perfectly formed vaulted arches and identified in the inscription above. On the base are the symbols of the four Evangelists.