Skip to main content

Main Building

Teapot

1760-1770
Paul Revere, Jr. (American (active Boston), 1735–1818)

Better known as a patriot during the American Revolution, Paul Revere was the most prolific and accomplished silversmith in late 1700s Boston. His shop produced domestic and ecclesiastical objects for clients belonging to the same civic, military, political, and religious organizations as Revere. The teapot’s inverted pear shape and engraved ornament of C-scrolls, foliage, and shells epitomizes the Rococo style of his early career. Equally renowned as an engraver of bookplates, trade cards, magazine illustrations, and political prints, Revere probably executed this decoration himself. John Singleton Copley’s famous 1768 portrait of Revere (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) depicts the silversmith with engraving tools, holding a teapot with the same low, domed cover and slightly pointed, pinecone finial as this example. Could they be one and the same?


Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.


Main Building