Water Pitcher with Eagle Handle

c. 1799/1831

Robert Swan and John McMullin

Associated Names
Robert Swan

Silversmith, American, c. 1748 - 1832

John McMullin

Silversmith, American, 1765 - 1843

The image shows a large, polished silver pitcher with intricate bead detailing around its neck and base. The handle is sculpted in the form of a stylized animal, likely an eagle, with its head at the top of the handle and its body merging into the base. The color palette is predominantly silver, with various shades created by reflections and shadows, giving it a metallic shine. In the center of the pitcher, there is an engraved emblem or crest positioned prominently on the front face. The spout of the pitcher extends slightly forward, leading the eye from left to right across the image, while the handle curves from the back towards the right side.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Sale, Sotheby’s, New York, 1981); purchased by Sue K. Feld and Stuart P. Feld, New York; gift 2020 to NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

R. SWAN / [eagle] I. M.


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