Wine Cup
ca. 1800
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Overall: H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); 13 oz. 9 dwt. (417.8 g) Lip: Diam. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm) Foot: Diam. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) Cup without cover:H. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); 10 oz. 4 dwt. (317.7 g) Cover: H. 2 1/4 x 4 in. (5.7 x 10.2 cm); 3 oz. 4 dwt. (100.1 g)
Classification
Cup
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Alphonso T. Clearwater, 1933
Accession Number
33.120.231a, b
Art Historical Context
This elegant silver wine cup, created by American silversmith Joseph Foster around 1800, reflects the growing sophistication of decorative arts in the young United States. Standing 9½ inches tall with its cover, the vessel combines graceful proportions with practical design, its lip and foot carefully balanced for both use and display. As a luxury object made from precious metal, it speaks to the aspirations of early American households, where such pieces often marked social standing during formal occasions. Foster’s craftsmanship highlights the technical demands of working in silver, from sh...