Spoon (one of three) 1763 - 1789

This silver spoon, crafted by Jean-Henri Oertel, is a fine example of 18th-century silverware. The spoon's simple, elegant form reflects the Rococo style, with a rounded bowl and a handle that tapers gently to a decorative shell-shaped end. This piece, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the skill and artistry of Oertel, a prominent silversmith of his time. The spoon's delicate form and intricate details highlight the attention to craftsmanship that characterized 18th-century silverware.