Tankard

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver tankard, crafted by Jonathan Clarke between 1735 and 1745, exemplifies the refined metalwork of colonial America. Standing about eight inches tall and weighing over two pounds, the vessel features a sturdy cylindrical body with a domed lid and substantial base, typical of drinking vessels used in prosperous households and taverns of the period. Its substantial silver construction highlights the material’s dual role as both functional object and display of wealth. As part of the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, the tankard reflects the growing sophistication of American silversmiths in the mid-eighteenth century. Clarke’s work would have been commissioned by affluent colonists who valued durable, beautifully proportioned tableware that could be passed down through generations. The smooth, unadorned surfaces and balanced proportions speak to the restrained elegance favored in early American silver, where practicality met quiet prestige. Today, this piece offers visitors a tangible connection to colonial daily life and craftsmanship. Its generous size and fine execution remind us how such objects served not only for communal toasts but also as lasting symbols of status and continuity in a young nation.