Silversmiths to the Nation March 13, 2008

This exhibition displays monumental vessels that celebrate naval and civic heroes as well as domestic and personal items which have sophisticated design and skilled manufacture. The grand scale and patriotic imagery that characterize much of their work reflects the country's coming of age as a commercial, industrial, political, and artistic center. English and Continental models will provide background and context for the American achievements. In addition to this an extremely rare group of surviving drawings will illuminate the creative process.