Communion cup and paten cover 1657 - 1658

This silver communion cup and paten cover, created by an anonymous artist in 1657-1658, is a beautiful example of early silverwork. The piece is now on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The cup's simple yet elegant design features a wide, shallow bowl atop a tall, slender stem. The paten cover is a smaller, circular dish, typically used to cover the bread during communion. The piece is a reminder of the importance of religious ceremony and the beauty of craftsmanship in the 17th century.