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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 chalice signifies 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 Meaning of Sacred
Symbols in Paintings. Most
prominently featured
symbols and their
meaning:
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