Creamer 1800 - 1825

This is William Haverstick’s Creamer, a small but striking piece made of silver, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notice how the composition balances simple geometric forms with subtle curves. The square base, cylindrical neck, and the elegant arc of the handle create a visual rhythm that is both pleasing and functional. This emphasis on shape and form speaks to a formalist approach, where the object's design is prioritized. The reflective quality of the silver enhances this interplay of light and shadow, giving the piece a dynamic presence. The creamer embodies the essence of its function, but it also becomes a study in pure form and material. It invites us to consider how everyday objects can transcend utility to become works of art through the careful manipulation of line, volume, and surface.