His Iconography

The way in which Suger mounted the spolia proves rather important. Although four medallions on the base of the chalice were changed into reliefs of wheat and grapes, symbols of the Eucharist, after the original construction, one probably remains from Abbot Suger’s design.[1] This central medallion shows Christ Blessing, flanked on either side by the Greek letters for, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.”[2] Although this example is simple compared with the Suger’s complex iconographic programs, apparent especially in the Central Portal of Saint Denis’s West Façade, it offers a powerful message.[3]

            Serving as both Alpha and Omega, the first and last letter of the Greek Alphabet, Jesus is portrayed as all-encompassing.[4] To drink the wine of the holy Eucharist from a vessel proclaiming this Christian truth, is to consume this symbol of holy completeness, to gain comfort in God’s enveloping love.[5] Not only does Suger want the clergy to delight in the heavenly appearance of his chalice, he also wants them to derive biblical meaning from their experience with it.