Spoon
Unknown Artist
16th–17th century
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Length: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver
Culture
possibly Hungarian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The Salgo Trust for Education, New York, in memory of Nicolas M. Salgo, 2010
Accession Number
2010.110.74
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant silver spoon, dating to the 16th–17th century and possibly of Hungarian origin, exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of European decorative arts. Measuring just 7 7/8 inches (20 cm) in length, it transforms a utilitarian object into a work of art through its finely crafted silver form. Crafted by an unknown artist, such spoons were prized possessions, often showcasing the technical mastery of silversmiths who chased, engraved, or embossed intricate designs into the precious metal. The spoon's handle likely features religious iconography, including Apostles, the Madonna and Child, ...