Cann
c. 1765
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
12.7 × 8.9 × 13.3 cm (5 × 3 1/2 × 5 1/4 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
104679
Art Historical Context
This elegant silver cann, crafted around 1765 by Boston silversmith Benjamin Burt, exemplifies the refined metalwork traditions of colonial America. Measuring just over five inches tall, the vessel served as a practical yet prestigious drinking cup for beverages such as ale or cider. Its compact form and sturdy construction reflect the everyday needs of prosperous households while showcasing the high level of craftsmanship available in the Americas during this period. Silver held particular cultural importance in eighteenth-century colonial society, symbolizing wealth and social standing. Art...