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Communion Cup
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This cup was produced shortly after the death of Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658), a leader of the English Civil War and Lord Protector of the British Isles from 1653 to 1658. An intensely religious man, Cromwell believed that the Reformation (1517–1648) failed to sufficiently eliminate Catholic beliefs and practices in Great Britain. The simplified shape and design of this vessel reflects his desire to visually differentiate Protestant communion cups from the chalices used by the Roman Catholic Church.
| Artist / Maker | England, London |
|---|---|
| Date | 1671–72 |
| Culture / Origin | England, London |
| Medium | silver gilt |
| Dimensions | Overall: 25.3 x 12.9 cm (9 15/16 x 5 1/16 in.) |
| Department | Decorative Art and Design |
| Type | Silver |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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