The Twelfth Century Wilten Chalice, Paten and Fistulae

 (Photo ©KHM-Museumsverband)

The collection of the Kunsthistoriches Museum in Vienna, Austria, contains a rather interesting and unique bit of medieval metalwork: the twelfth century Wilten Chalice and Paten (the name of which is derived from the fact that it originally came from Wilten Abbey in Tyrol, Austria). 

This particular set is, in fact, considered to be "one of the masterpieces of Romanesque gold-smithing" according to the museum and, indeed, the quality that we find here certainly makes it evident -- even to the most inexperienced of eyes I should think -- that we are dealing here with a work of particular distinction.

What is additionally of interest is that fact that the set also preserves two very rare examples of fistulae. For those not familiar, the fistula was a small metal tube through which the Precious Blood would have been consumed from the chalice. Its main function was, ostensibly, to allow clerics to more safely consume the Blood of Christ without fear of spilling it or dripping it -- though I suspect it was also simply considered a more dignified, less vulgar method of consumption (one not quite so reminiscent of what one would see at some tavern).

But enough with all that. Let's take a look at each of the pieces.

THE CHALICE

The chalice itself includes various beautiful decorations comprised of scenes taken from the Old and New Testaments. In a beautiful nod to the medievals love and appreciation for symbolism, the scenes taken from the Old Testament are found lower down, on the base of the chalice, while the scenes taken from the New Testament are found higher up on the cup proper.

Photo ©KHM-Museumsverband)

Photo ©KHM-Museumsverband)

THE PATEN

The paten is equally ornamental, being decorated on both the top and the bottom. An image of the Resurrection of Christ is found on the top, while an image of the Crucifixion is found beneath.  Around these central depictions are further scenes taken from the life of Christ, as well as a procession of various angels and saints.

Top of the paten. (Photo ©KHM-Museumsverband)

Bottom of the paten. (Photo ©KHM-Museumsverband)

THE FISTULAE

Finally we have the two fistuale. There is not a great deal to comment on here as there is no real ornament. We simply have two metallic cylinders through which the Precious Blood would have been consumed, and a small handle by which it would be securely held.

Photo ©KHM-Museumsverband (Detail)

If you still are not clear how these would have been used, here is a photograph showing Pope Paul VI using a fistula to consume the Precious Blood:

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