Artheon MuseumArtheonMuseum

Ewer

Unknown Artist

late 16th–early 17th century

Ewer by Unknown Artist

Medium

Pewter

Dimensions

6 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (16.5 × 10.8 cm)

Classification

Metalwork-Pewter

Culture

Dutch or Flemish

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Mr. R.M. Parmelee and Mrs. W.L. Parker, 1916

Accession Number

16.116.138

Art Historical Context

This elegant pewter ewer, crafted in the late 16th early 17th century an unknown Dutch or Flemish artisan, stands as a fine example of everyday luxury from Northern Europe's Renaissance era. Measuring just 6½ × 4¼ inches, its compact form—likely featuring a spout, handle, flared base typical of the period—made it ideal for pouring water or wine at the table. Pewter, an alloy primarily of tin with traces of lead or other metals, offered a silvery sheen and durability at a fraction of silver's cost, bridging the gap between humble pottery and elite silverware. Hailing from the prosperous Low Co...

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