Two-handled Cup 1705 - 1715

This Two-handled Cup was made by William Cowell Sr., an American silversmith, most likely in the early 18th century. It's crafted from silver, and you'll notice its reflective surface immediately draws the eye. The cup is divided into two distinct registers. The upper part is a smooth, unadorned cylinder, giving a sense of classical simplicity. The lower register features vertical fluting that adds texture and complexity. Note how the handles, with their delicate beaded pattern and scrolled terminals, provide a counterpoint to the cup's overall symmetry. The cup's structure invites us to consider the values of the time: utility, balance, and restrained ornamentation. The choice of silver speaks to status and wealth, but the cup's form suggests a more austere, practical sensibility. The interplay between these elements creates a tension that keeps the eye moving, reflecting a society in transition, balancing tradition with new world pragmatism.