Locket 1766 - 1776

This small, gold locket was created by American silversmith Enoch Stanton between 1766 and 1776. The piece is a beautifully crafted example of American decorative arts from the Colonial period, featuring an intricately engraved floral design. The locket, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, stands as a testament to Stanton's artistry and the burgeoning craft traditions of the time. The delicate floral motif and the small size of the locket suggest it was likely a personal keepsake or a cherished gift, embodying a sense of intimacy and sentimentality.