Fork with Silver Handle
1725â1750
Classification
cutlery
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
The Robert L. Metzenberg Collection, gift of Eleanor L. Metzenberg
Accession Number
1985-103-19
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Fork with Silver Handle This elegant *Fork with Silver Handle*, dating from 1725–1750, offers a glimpse into everyday luxury during America's colonial era. Crafted as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's cutlery, it exemplifies the refined tableware that graced the homes of the emerging colonial elite. Forks, once a novelty in Europe, were gaining popularity in the American colonies by the mid-18th century, symbolizing sophistication and the adoption of formal dining rituals influenced by British customs. The silver handle highlights the artistry of period silversmithing, a craf...
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...