Apostle spoon: St. Thomas 1592 - 1593

This silver Apostle spoon, depicting St. Thomas, is a striking example of 16th-century English silverware. Crafted by William Cawdell between 1592 and 1593, the spoon features a three-dimensional figure of the saint atop a slender stem, with a teardrop-shaped bowl. The use of Apostle figures as decorative elements on spoons was popular during this period, reflecting the strong religious beliefs of the time. This spoon, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the high level of craftsmanship and artistry of English silversmiths during the late Elizabethan era.