Tumbler

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of early American silver with *Tumbler*, a drinking vessel crafted by Paul Re Jr. in 1797. Measuring just 2 3/4 inches tall with a lip diameter of 2 7/8 inches and weighing 2 ounces 18 dwt., this petite silver cup exemplifies the precision and elegance of Federal-era design. Now housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art it was acquired through a 1958 purchase and gift exchange from Mrs. Russell Sage. Paul Revere Jr., the legendary Boston silversmith and Revolutionary War hero famed for his midnight ride, transitioned seamlessly from patriot to master artisan in the young republic. By 1797, his workshop produced utilitarian yet luxurious objects like this tumbler, showcasing hand-hammered silver techniques that highlighted purity, balance, and subtle sheen. Silver was a status symbol in American homes, blending British influences with emerging national pride. This tumbler offers a tangible glimpse into post-Revolutionary domestic life, where fine craftsmanship celebrated independence and prosperity. Its compact form suggests everyday use—perhaps for wine or spirits—while Revere's touch elevates it to heirloom quality, underscoring American silversmiths' rivalry with European makers. A true gem of cultural heritage!

About the Artist

Paul Revere Jr. · 1734–1818

Paul Revere Jr. (1734–1818), born in Boston's North End, was the son of French Huguenot silversmith Apollos Rivoire—also known as Paul Revere Sr.—and Deborah Hichborn, a member of a local artisan family. At age 13, he left school to apprentice under his father, mastering the intricate craft of silversmithing and engraving in the family shop, which he inherited upon his father's death in 1754. Reve...