Museo Galileo
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Virtual Museum
"Serpent" chalice
    • Setting:
      Room VIII
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Place:
      Tuscany?
    • Date:
      17th cent.
    • Materials:
      transparent glass
    • Dimensions:
      height 243 mm, diameter 90 mm
    • Inventory:
      341/33
    • "Serpent" chalice (Inv. 341/33)

Chalice composed of a hemispherical cup with undulated walls, a large round foot, and a medium baluster stem surmounted by a smooth knop. The stem is adorned with crested fins and curled volutes. At the center of the stem is the distinctive, well-known Veneto serpent motif: a double winding ribbon with crests, possibly alluding to a stylized dragon.