Table Spoon 1727 - 1728

Curator: We're looking at a silver tablespoon by Paul de Lamerie, dating back to the first half of the 18th century. It's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It seems so utilitarian, yet there's something quite elegant about it. It feels like a forgotten heirloom. Curator: Silverware held significant cultural weight. It symbolized status, wealth, and the refinement of dining rituals. The simple form speaks to an era of understated luxury. Editor: That's funny because I immediately think of ritual, and maybe even the kind of hidden symbolism embedded in everyday objects. It's a powerful, yet domestic icon. Curator: The very act of eating transforms into something more profound. Editor: A humble object, elevated by context. I'll never look at my silverware drawer the same way again.