Images(2)

Teapot

Paul Revere, Sr. (American (born in France, baptized Apollos Rivoire), 1702–1754)

about 1727

Object PlaceBoston, Massachusetts

Medium/TechniqueSilver

Dimensions14.6 x 22.2 cm (5 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.)

Credit LineGift of Frances Lowell Hunsaker, Beatrice Hardcastle Magruder, and Christina Lowell Brazelton in memory of their father Alfred Putnam Lowell

Accession number1991.790

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsSilver hollowware

Collections

Americas

Description

This teapot’s distinctly globular shape and finely engraved scroll and bellflower decoration at the shoulder are stylistically within the oeuvre of Revere I and unlike any produced by the son.

This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.

InscriptionsScratch weight of "oz /18 : 3/4", and in another hand "oz w / 18 - 12" on bottom.Provenanceit is likely that the first owner was Elizabeth Cutt (or Cutts) (1709 – 1805), probably after her first marriage in 1727 to the Rev. Joseph Whipple (1701 – 1757). Her second marriage of 1758 was to the Rev. John Lowell (1704 – 1767). Descended to Judge John Lowell (1743 – 1802), Reverend Lowell’s son by his first wife, Sarah Champney (1704 – 1756). Judge Lowell m. his third wife, Rebecca (Russell) Tyng (1746 – 1816), in 1778, and the bowl descended to their son the Rev. Charles Lowell (1782 – 1861), pastor of West Congregational Church in Boston, m. Harriett Brackett Spence (1783 – 1850) in 1806.3 By descent to their daughter Mary Traill Spence Lowell (1810 – 1898) and Samuel Raymond Putnam (1797 – 1861), m. 1832.4 The vessel probably descended to their daughter Georgina Lowell Putnam (b. 1835), d. unm., and thence to her cousin Charles Lowell (1855 – 1905), who in 1885 m. Beatrice Kate Hardcastle (about 1852 – 1932).5 By descent to their daughter Mary Beatrice Lowell (b. 1888) and Frederick Southgate Bigelow (1871 – 1954), m. 1915,6 and thence to her brother Alfred Putman Lowell (1890 – 1954) and Catherine Hay Bowles (1890 – 1969), m. 1915,7 by descent to the donor.