Flagon

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver flagon, crafted between 1800 and 1830 by Rufus Farnam and Henry Farnam, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of early American silversmiths. Standing over sixteen inches tall and weighing nearly three pounds, the vessel was designed for serving beverages at the table, its substantial form and polished surface reflecting the status of its original owners. As part of the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, it represents the enduring tradition of domestic silverware in the young republic. During this period, silver objects like flagons combined utility with display, often p...