Who painted The Nettlecombe Chalice?

The Nettlecombe Chalice was painted by Frank Theodore in 1911.

Where can I see The Nettlecombe Chalice?

The Nettlecombe Chalice is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

The Nettlecombe Chalice

Frank Theodore , 1911

The Nettlecombe Chalice is a drawing by Frank Theodore. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Nettlecombe Chalice is a drawing by Frank Theodore, depicting a simple, empty chalice rendered in light pencil lines on a plain white background. Characterized by clean, precise lines and minimal shading, the work emphasizes the chalice's geometric form.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a chalice with a rounded body and flared base, is presented in isolation, focusing attention on its design and structure. The drawing's simplicity may reflect Theodore's interest in capturing the essence of ecclesiastical metalwork designs.

Technique & Style

Executed in light pencil, the drawing prioritizes line work over shading or texture, resulting in a crisp, two-dimensional representation. This approach highlights Theodore's attention to the chalice's silhouette and geometric proportions.

History & Provenance

Created between 1909 and 1913, the drawing falls within Theodore's period of producing copies of church plate designs, following his training as an ecclesiastical metalworker from 1906 to 1914.