Plate 1786 - 1795

This plate was made between 1765 and 1830 in the United States by Edward Danforth, using pewter. This seemingly simple object offers insight into the material culture of early America. Pewter, an alloy of tin and lead, was a common material for household items before mass-produced ceramics became widely available. Danforth, working in Middletown and Hartford, Connecticut, was part of a network of artisans who supplied essential goods to a growing nation. The plate's design reflects both utilitarian needs and emerging aesthetic preferences. Its form is simple, yet the subtle curves and polished surface suggest a striving for elegance within the constraints of available materials and technology. Objects like this plate remind us that even everyday items carry social and historical significance. Examining probate records, merchant ledgers, and archaeological findings alongside surviving examples of pewterware helps us understand the economic, social, and artistic landscape of early America. Art history helps us to see the past in the present.