Cann

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. Artisans like Burt drew on European training to create objects that combined functionality with subtle ornamentation, often featuring graceful curves and polished surfaces that caught the light. As a drinking vessel classified within the Art Institute of Chicago’s Arts of the Americas collection, this cann offers a tangible connection to the material culture of pre-Revolutionary Boston. The medium itself underscores the piece’s dual role as both utilitarian object and work of art. Hand-raised from sheets of silver, such vessels required considerable skill to achieve their balanced proportions and smooth finish, making them enduring examples of early American design.