Plate
1793–1800
Medium
Pewter
Dimensions
Diam. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
Classification
Plate
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Stephen S. FitzGerald, 1962
Accession Number
62.89.18
Art Historical Context
This elegant pewter plate, crafted by American pewterers Samuel Melville and Thomas Melville between 1793 and 1800, exemplifies the fine metalwork of the early Federal period. Measuring 7 3/4 inches in diameter, it was designed for everyday dining in prosperous American households, where pewter served as an accessible alternative to costly silver. The Melvilles, likely collaborators, were part of a vibrant tradition of New England and New York pewterers who produced durable, gleaming tableware that reflected growing national pride post-Revolution. Pewter's soft, malleable alloy of tin, lead, ...
About the Artist
Samuel Melville|Thomas Melville (American|American) · 1793 |1764 –1800 |1796
1793–1800|1764–1796