Thursday, September 24, 2009

2b: Silvercraft of the 18th – 20th centuries

Read 2b: Silvercraft of the 18th – 20th centuries; Observations?
Compare the 1796 teapot with the one in the portrait of Revere:
- What does Revere’s 1796 teapot look like? – Its body is fluted like a Classical column.
- After the Revolution, why did this Neoclassical architecture appeal to Americans? Neoclassical designs were based on Greek and Roman architecture, which reminded viewers that their new country’s government was based on ancient Greek and Roman ideals.
- Why was drinking tea a social event in the 17th century?
- Why were tea sets made of silver in the 17th and 18th century?
- Why did Americans want to own them?
- What developments made them more affordable?
- Aside from being aesthetically appealing, do the forms/styles of any of these tea sets suggest a deeper meaning or social commentary? What do they suggest about daily life and trends? Everyday objects can be full of meaning because they reflect contemporary styles, values, tastes and trends. Even though objects such as tea pots are mainly functional, they still convey information about the society in which and for which they were made.

Look at other examples, discuss.
Top to bottom: Gorham coin silver tea and coffee service circa 1853-1865;
GorhamTea and Coffee service in coin silver C-1855; Tiffany, 1910; Reed and Barton silverplate, late 1800s; Tiffany, 1881.

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