Adalbero chalice

The greatest treasure of Lambach Abbey

Only the cuppa (bowl) dates from the time the chalice was made in the 12th century. The bowl is richly decorated with engravings. There are four picture fields, which are structured on a so-called Dreiberge, a mound with three arches, standing columns with bulge-shaped capitals, the upper end of a column, and are connected by segmental arches, a type of arch with a circular arc of less than 180 degrees.

The first panel shows the Archangel Gabriel, the messenger of God, in a running posture, with his right hand raised, bringing the good news to Mary. On the arch above him are the words Ave-Maria plena gratia (Hail Mary, full of grace).

In the second panel, Our Lady is seated facing right, but with her head to the left, facing the angel. In her left hand she holds two leaves. On the arch are the words Ecce ancilla domini fiat mihi (Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word).

Next is St. John the Evangelist, one of the four evangelists (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John), the favourite disciple of Jesus and author of the Epistles of John and the revelation. On the it says: Sanctus Johannes Ewangelista Domini (Saint John, you are the Gospel writer of the Lord).

In the fourth, the viewer can recognise the standing Saint Kilian in episcopal regalia. Here the words Sanctus Khilianus Episcopus et martyr (Saint Kilian, bishop and martyr) can be read at the bottom. In the arch spandrels on a plastered ground the four symbols of the evangelists can be seen. Matthew is depicted with a man, Mark with a lion, Luke with a bull and John with an eagle.