Tankard

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver gilt tankard, in 1798 by-born silversmith Johan Henrik Åkerblom and Leberecht in St Petersburg, exemplifies the opulent metalwork of late 18th-century Imperial Russia. Measuring 7⅞ × 8⅝ inches, its gilded surface—silver coated with a thin layer of gold—creates a radiant, luxurious sheen, ideal for ceremonial toasts or display among the elite. Tankards like this were prized possessions, blending functionality with grandeur, and bore hallmarks from the prestigious St. Petersburg assay office, ensuring quality and authenticity. In the waning years of Catherine the Great's reign and the brief rule of Paul I, Russian silver production flourished under neoclassical influences, drawing European artisans like Åkerblom to the imperial capital. Gilding techniques, achieved through electroplating or fire-gilding, highlighted the technical mastery of the period, transforming everyday silver into symbols of wealth and status. This piece reflects Russia's cultural crossroads, merging Scandinavian precision with Russian extravagance. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, thanks to the 1924 bequest of Alfred Duane Pell, the tankard invites visitors to appreciate the artistry of a bygone era's craftsmanship.

About the Artist

Johan Henrik Åkerblom|Carl Leberecht ( | ) · 1760 |1749 –1829 |1827

1760–1829, master 1790|1749–1827