Ciborium
Jean Hubé (act. 1636–87)
Ciborium, 1668–69
Gilt silver
Cup: 15 9/16 × 6 9/16 × 5 7/8 in. (39.5 × 16.7 × 15 cm); Lid: h. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm), diam. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm) ; Cross on lid: h. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm)
Terra Sancta Museum, Jerusalem
© The Frick Collection
A ciborium (or pyx) is a container for the consecrated Host. The relief scenes on this object refer to the Passion of Christ and the Eucharist and are linked to the use of the vessel. On the base are the Agony in the Garden, the Washing of the Feet, and Christ before His Judges. On the cup are the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Supper at Emmaus. The domed cover depicts scenes of the Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, the Paschal Lamb, and the Fall of Manna. The figure of the resurrected Christ stands at the top. The ciborium is probably a gift from Charles Olier (1635–1685), marquis de Nointel, who, as French ambassador to Constantinople, visited Jerusalem in March 1674.
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