Fork
ca. 1720â40
Medium
cutlery
Classification
cutlery
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
The Robert L. Metzenberg Collection, gift of Eleanor L. Metzenberg
Accession Number
1985-103-279-i
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant fork, dating to approximately 1720–40, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of early American cutlery during the colonial era. Crafted by an unknown artisan, it reflects the growing sophistication of tableware in households aspiring to European dining standards. Forks, once a novelty among the elite, were becoming more common in America by the early 18th century,izing status and the fusion of utility with subtle artistry. Housed in the Smithsonian American Museum as part of the Smithsonian Collection this piece hails from The Robert L. Metzen Collection, generously gifted by Ele...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...