Souvenir spoon with view of a river flowing through a town
Unknown Artist
late 19th century
Medium
Gilt and enamel
Dimensions
Length: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver
Culture
European
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Sir William H. Redding, in memory of his wife, 1908
Accession Number
08.245.19
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming souvenir spoon from the late 19th captures the spirit of European tourism during the Victorian era, when travelers eagerly collected mementos of their journeys. Crafted in silver with gilt accents and colorful enamel, the handle features a picturesque view of a river winding through a quaint town, by a coat of arms—likely representing a specific locale proud of its heritage. At just 5 inches long, it's a delightful pocket-sized treasure, blending scenic nostalgia with heraldic symbolism. The use of gilt and enamel techniques highlights the artistry of European metalwork from thi...