Tankard 1715 - 1725

This tankard was crafted in New York by Simeon Soumaine in the early 18th century from silver. It reflects the aspirations of the emerging merchant class in colonial America. The tankard's material itself, silver, speaks to wealth and status. Note the engraved armorial crest on the lid, suggesting a desire to emulate European aristocratic traditions. Yet, this is a New York piece, made for a society where social hierarchies were more fluid than in Europe. The imagery on the handle—vines and grapes—might hint at the pleasures of consumption and sociability, central to the culture of taverns and homes where such tankards would have been used. Art history isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the social and economic contexts that shape artistic production. By researching colonial trade routes, sumptuary laws, and family histories, we can unlock deeper meanings within this seemingly simple object.