Salt 1755 - 1780

This is a silver salt made by Benjamin Halsted, and it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece has a satisfying symmetry, its circular bowl supported by three legs that are also symmetrical. The eye is drawn to the way the bowl’s smooth, reflective surface contrasts with the textured rim and the fluted legs. These contrasting textures and Halsted's mastery of form elevate the mundane function of a salt container to an object of considerable aesthetic interest. Silverware, in general, occupies an intriguing place in the semiotic landscape of dining. It communicates messages about wealth, taste and social status. The salt, in particular, was historically a marker of social standing, placed prominently on the tables of the elite. Ultimately, the beauty of this piece lies in its structure. The design makes this functional object a symbol of refinement and cultural meaning.