Waiter c. 1765

Curator: Here we have a "Waiter" by Myer Myers, a silversmith active in colonial America, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's gorgeous, isn't it? The craftsmanship shines through, though I immediately wonder about the conditions of its creation. Curator: Myers was one of the most prominent silversmiths in New York. The elegant design reflects the prosperity of its original owner, likely part of the mercantile elite. Editor: But who mined the silver, and under what conditions? Was this luxury enabled by enslaved labor? The history of extraction is vital. Curator: Absolutely. The piece serves as a reminder of the complex economic systems. Its presence in a museum encourages dialogue about wealth and consumption. Editor: Exactly. Examining the object's materiality allows us to ask important questions about colonial American society. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to consider the legacy of those times. Editor: It really does reframe our perspective.