Dessert spoon c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have a dessert spoon by Paul Revere, the silversmith, patriot, and entrepreneur from Boston. Editor: It's understated, almost humble, yet that gleam of silver catches the light so beautifully. Curator: Revere's work challenges the notion of craft versus high art. Each piece tells a story of labor, the silversmith’s skill, and the consumer’s desire for refined goods. Editor: And the social context is key. Silverware like this signaled status in colonial America. Revere wasn't just crafting spoons, he was shaping the material culture of a burgeoning nation. The spoon’s imagery on the handle is fascinating too. Curator: Indeed, it’s a reminder of how even everyday objects reflect a complex interplay of making, meaning, and social standing. Editor: To see such an object in a museum now asks us to consider the politics of imagery and value. Curator: Absolutely, and to contemplate the hands and resources required to bring such an object to our tables, then and now.