Pewter Tankard c. 1936

This pewter tankard was created by Arsen Maralian, who was born in 1855. Pewter is an alloy, mostly tin, but with a bit of other metal added for strength. In this case, it has been cast in multiple parts and then assembled, burnished and polished to a soft sheen. Consider the way that the light plays across the surface, which emphasizes the gentle curves of the handle, lid, and the body of the vessel. Tankards like this one were common in Europe, and often associated with a convivial, social atmosphere. In that context, pewter was often seen as a more affordable alternative to silver. This drawing brings out the beauty of the material. Paying close attention to the material used, as well as its crafting process, helps us to understand the item’s cultural significance. It challenges the historical art world distinctions between fine art and craft.