Goblet and Cover

anonymous, c. 1600 - c. 1620

Around 1600 the banded variety of chalcedony was called onyx. According to Rudolph II’s court physician, this stone had the power to soothe emotional outbursts. The blind Cupid on the goblet’s lid and the serpents around the foot allude to the cause of the distress: disappointment in love.

  • Artwork typegoblet
  • Object numberBK-17089
  • Dimensionsheight 12.1 cm x diameter 5.2 cm, diameter 4.4 cm
  • Physical characteristicschalcedony, gold, enamel, and emeralds