Coffeepot c. 1755
alexanderpetrie
minneapolisinstituteofart
silver, wood
silver
cake food
culinary art
appetizing
food illustration
stoneware
macro shot
united-states
macro photography
food art
wood
food photography
recipe
This silver coffeepot, crafted by Alexander Petrie in 1755, is a fine example of colonial American silversmithing. The elegant, pear-shaped form and ornate handle showcase the craftsmanship of the period, while the engraved details and delicate finial contribute to its refined aesthetic. This piece, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to the artistry and technical skill prevalent in 18th-century America.
Comments
Tea was the hands-down favorite hot drink in Britain’s North American colonies, partly because coffee, which had to be ground, required more effort to brew. But for wealthy households with servants or enslaved labor, serving coffee could be a subtle show of wealth and social station. That may have been one reason the original owners of this pot commissioned it. The silversmith, Alexander Petrie, worked in in Charleston, South Carolina.
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