Tureen c. 1830

This silver tureen was made by William Gale, an American silversmith active in New York during the 19th century. Silverware like this tureen was not merely functional; it was a declaration of wealth and social standing. The intricate designs embody a certain class aspiration, reflecting the values of a society deeply stratified by wealth and, often, by race. These objects tell a story of belonging and exclusion in the American landscape. The tureen is a potent symbol, reflecting back at us questions of who gets to sit at the table, who is served, and whose labor makes it all possible. It invites us to consider the complex social dynamics that shape our understanding of beauty, value, and identity.