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The Hidden Symbolism of the Chalice in Western Painting
The Definition and Meaning of the Chalice as a Christian Symbol in Western Painting
The sacred meanings, origins and early customs
surrounding Christian symbols date back to early times when the average
person was illiterate and most had never laid eyes on the written word.
The early Christian community relied upon holy iconography and symbolic
representation of important Christian ideas. Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance paintings
are rich in philosophical and Christian symbolism regarding the
chalice. The Chalice has long been a sacred symbol with a variety of
meanings.
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The Chalice is symbolic of the Consecration. Reference to the Chalice Symbol in the Bible "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God" Leviticus 20:7
In the Carolingian, Byzantine and Gothic art periods a person depicted
holding a chalicesignifies
that they are set apart from evil, have turned to the Lord, and are
Gods servant.
The Chalice points
to the centrality of the Lords Last Supper.
The Chalice symbolizes
the Holy Communion and the blood shed by Jesus on the cross. Reference
to the Chalice Symbol in the Bible " Then
he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink
from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured
out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink
of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it
anew with you in my Father's kingdom." - Matt. 26:27
Chalice with a serpent is one of many symbols and emblems of John the Evangelist
The Serpent
The Four Evangelists
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