About this artwork
Made by preeminent Philadelphia silversmith Thomas Fletcher, this pair of sauceboats reflects not only the vogue for French-inspired classical designs but also significant advances in the industrial and technological production of silver that took place in the 19th century. Coinciding with the American industrial revolution, silver making became increasingly mechanized through the introduction of flat rolled silver and die-rolled bands—three of which appear as decorative borders on each sauceboat. The elegant oval bodies with upswept spouts are typical neoclassical forms; however, the handles add distinct flourish: the bold yet refined bud-shaped handles have no known precedent and are original to Fletcher.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 172
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Department
- Arts of the Americas
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Artist
- Thomas Fletcher
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Title
- Pair of Sauceboats
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Place
- Philadelphia (Object made in)
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Date
- c. 1830
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Medium
- Silver
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Inscriptions
- Marked on bottom of each object, in oval: T.FLETCHER / PHILAD.; engraved beneath each spout: T.
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Dimensions
- Ea. 21.3 × 22.9 × 10.5 cm (8 3/8 × 9 × 4 1/8 in.); 2013.71.1: 840.5 g; 2013.71.2: 855.3 g
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by the Antiquarian Society
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Reference Number
- 2013.71.1-2
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/218166/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.