Goblet

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver goblet, crafted by American silversmith Anthony Ras around 1815, as a fine example of early 19th-century American decorative arts. Measuring 6 1/4 inches tall with a weight of over 8 ounces, it features a graceful lip diameter of 41/16 inches and sturdy foot of 2 11/16 inches, designed for both functionality and display on the dining table of affluent households. In the post-Revolutionary era, silverware like this goblet symbolized refined taste and economic prosperity in growing American cities. Rasch's work reflects the period's emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship, where silversmiths hand-hammered and chased silver into forms that balanced utility with subtle ornamentation. As a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing in 1971, it preserves a tangible link to everyday luxury among the early republic's elite. Today, this goblet invites us to appreciate the artistry of American silver, a medium prized for its luster and durability, underscoring the cultural value placed on finely wrought domestic objects during a time of national identity formation.