Creamer 1827 - 1830

This Creamer was created by Newell Harding, a silversmith active in Massachusetts during the early to mid-19th century. Crafted from silver, its elegant form reflects the neoclassical style popular at the time. But this Creamer is more than just a vessel; it’s a reflection of the social and economic structures of its time. Silver objects like these were luxury items, symbols of wealth and status in a society deeply divided along class lines. While someone was carefully pouring cream, consider the labor, often enslaved, that went into producing the commodities, like sugar, that would accompany it. The Creamer invites us to consider the complex relationship between artistry, consumption, and social inequality. It serves as a reminder that even the most beautiful objects can be implicated in systems of power and privilege.