Tea Spoon 1790 - 1800

These two teaspoons were crafted in New York, most likely towards the end of the 18th century, by Daniel Van Voorhis. At that time, silversmiths in the colonies were grappling with British trade restrictions. The small size and relative simplicity of these spoons speak to the economic realities of the period. Yet, the delicate engraving also hints at aspirations of refinement. The neoclassical motifs favored by Voorhis, like the bright-cut engraving along the handle, are also telling. This was the visual language of the Enlightenment, and was associated with progress and reason. The American elite sought to align themselves with these values, and the spoons can be seen to be doing the same. To understand the full story of these spoons, one can also consult period newspapers, trade records, and genealogical databases. The art historian pieces together such information to give objects such as this their full social and institutional context.