Tankard
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Pewter
Dimensions
5 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (14 × 8.9 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Pewter
Culture
Flemish
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. Robert M. Parmelee and Mrs. William L. Parker, 1916
Accession Number
16.116.109
Art Historical Context
This elegant 18th-century Flemish tankard, crafted from pewter, exemplifies the refined metalwork traditions of Flanders—a region renowned for its skilled artisans in Antwerp and beyond. Standing at 5½ × 3½ inches (14 × 8.9 cm), this drinking vessel features the classic tankard form: a sturdy with a hinged lid to guard against spills or contaminants, and a practical handle for easy toasting. Pewter, an alloy primarily of tin with traces of lead or antimony, was prized for its silvery luster, malleability, and affordability, making it a democratic alternative to silver for middle-class househol...