Silver Teaspoon

Art Historical Context

Behold the delicate *Silver Teaspoon*, a graphite drawing by David P Willoughby, created 1936. Measuring 26.8 x 23.1 cm, this work captures the elegant form of a classic American silver utensil with precise lines and subtle shading, highlighting its graceful handle and ornate details. Rendered on paper, the graphite medium allows for fine articulation of textures—from the spoon's polished sheen to intricate engravings—making it a study in realism and technical mastery. This artwork is part of the *Index of American Design*, a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from the Great Depression era (1935–1942). Commissioned under President Roosevelt's New Deal, the Index employed hundreds of artists to document everyday objects of American material culture, preserving the nation's decorative arts heritage through over 15,000 detailed renderings. Willoughby's teaspoon exemplifies this mission, celebrating the craftsmanship of early American silversmiths and their influence from European traditions adapted to colonial life. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Department of CG-W, this piece invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary items embody cultural identity. It reminds us of silverware's role in social rituals, from tea times to formal dinners, bridging artistry with history in an accessible, enduring way.