Cup from Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler's Christening Silver

Art Historical Context

This delicate silver cup, crafted by American silversmith John R. Wendt around 1866, is a treasured piece from the christening silver set presented to Elizabeth Winthrop Chan. Christening silver—elegant cups, spoons, and rattles—was a cherished tradition among 19th-century American families of means, symbolizing purity, protection, and the promise of a prosperous life for newborns. These heirlooms often passed down through generations, functionality with ornate sentiment. Wendt's work exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of mid-19th-century decorative arts, where silversmiths drew on European techniques adapted to American tastes, emphasizing polished surfaces and subtle engravings suited for intimate family rituals. Likely featuring personalized motifs tied to the Chanler family's prominent social circle, the cup reflects the era's blend of utility and luxury. Now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the generous gift of Charles J. Robertson III, this artifact offers a glimpse into Victorian-era domestic life and the enduring value placed on bespoke silver in building family legacies. A quiet testament to history's personal touch.

About the Artist

John R. Wendt (American|American) · 1839 |1826 –2003 |1907

American, Philadelphia, Pennsylviania 1839–2003|1826–1907