1854 - 1865
Creamer
Thomas Danforth Boardman
1784 - 1873The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NYListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This Creamer was crafted from pewter by Thomas Danforth Boardman. Observe the smooth, cool surface and the way the light plays across its form. The creamer presents a study in contrasts. The rounded body gives way to a slender neck, accentuated by subtle horizontal bands. This structure creates a visual rhythm. The handle, elegantly curved, provides a counterpoint to the body’s symmetry. The base, adorned with stylized feet, adds a layer of ornamentation, yet remains grounded and functional. It also alludes to the changing aesthetic and cultural values of 19th-century America. These simple, elegant lines and shapes invite contemplation on the beauty of everyday objects and the artistry of functional design. This creamer is not merely a vessel, but a statement of form and utility.