Compote 1866

This striking compote was made by Peter L. Krider, a Philadelphia silversmith. We don't have a date for the piece itself, but Krider was active in the mid-19th century, a period when silver was especially prized. The first thing you’ll notice is its gleaming surface, achieved through meticulous polishing. Silver has an inherent luminosity; it reflects light in a way that other metals don't. The compote’s intricate details – the beaded rim, stylized handles, and foliate motifs – are typical of its time. Krider and his workshop would have used various techniques like casting, chasing, and engraving to create this design. It’s not just a functional object; it’s an aesthetic statement, demonstrating wealth and refinement. The production of such a piece involved specialized labor, from the initial design to the final polish. This division of labor reflects the industrialized context of the 19th century, where even luxury goods were touched by the processes of mass production. So, when you look at this compote, consider not just its beauty but also the social context in which it was made.