Tankard

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this pewter tankard by William J. Elsworthactive 1767–98) offers a tangible glimpse into late 18th-century American life. Standing at a modest 7 inches tall, the vessel was crafted during the Revolutionary era, when skilled pewterers like El produced functional yet refined tableware for households across the colonies. Pewter, an affordable alloy of tin, antimony, and copper, was prized for its sheen and durability, making it a staple in middle-class homes where silver was often out of reach. Elsworth's tankard exemplifies the craftsma...