Silver Punch Strainer c. 1936

This graphite on paper drawing depicts a silver punch strainer and was made by Charlotte Winter, an artist born in 1855. Winter’s rendering of this domestic item gives insight into the cultural values of her time. Punch strainers were not just functional objects but also symbols of social rituals and class distinctions. In the 19th century, the preparation and serving of punch were often elaborate social events, particularly among the middle and upper classes. The strainer, usually made of silver, was part of a set, reflecting a culture of refined entertaining. Winter's choice to draw such an object may reflect her own social milieu. By examining household manuals, etiquette guides, and historical records, we can understand the social meaning embedded in this image. The strainer, in Winter's hand, serves as a lens through which we can view the social customs and class structures of her time. It is through these subtle visual codes that art becomes a form of cultural commentary.