Tea Tray
1799
Medium
silver
Dimensions
20 x 30 1/2 in., 174.998 Troy Ounces (50.8 x 77.5 cm, 5443 Grams)
Classification
Tray
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Sansbury-Mills Fund and Frank P. Stetz Gift, 2009
Accession Number
2009.420.1
About this artwork
This magnificent silver tea tray by John McMullin represents both the zenith of Philadelphia Federal-period silversmithing and a poignant historical document. Created in 1799 and marked "John McMullin (script) / FECIT (shaded block) / Philad 1799" on the underside, the tray exemplifies neoclassical elegance with its bright-cut paterae and delicate floral festoons. However, the tray's true significance lies in its presentation context and engraved dedication. Philadelphia suffered devastating yel...