Tankard c. 1740 - 1750

Editor: Here we have Jacob Hurd's Tankard, a beautiful piece of silverwork. It feels so formal and imposing. What social meanings do you see embedded in this object? Curator: The tankard, beyond its aesthetic appeal, speaks volumes about power and social hierarchy in colonial America. Consider who could afford such a luxury item. Editor: Certainly not everyone. Curator: Exactly. It's a symbol of elite status, reflecting a society deeply stratified by wealth and lineage. Note the engraved coat-of-arms. What does that suggest to you? Editor: An established family, maybe with ties to Europe? So, this isn't just a drinking vessel, but a statement of identity. Curator: Precisely! It's a material declaration of privilege. By understanding its function in colonial society, we confront issues of inequality and representation. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is important to remember art has many meanings.