American Silver in the Art Institute of Chicago

The history of American silver offers invaluable insights into the economic?and cultural history of the nation itself. Published here for the first time, the?Art Institute of Chicago¡¯s superb collection embodies innovation and beauty?from the colonial era to the present. In the 17th century, silversmiths?brought the fashions of their homelands to the colonies, and in the early?18th, new forms arose as technology diversified production. Demand?increased in the 19th century as the Industrial Revolution took hold. In the?20th, modernism changed the shape of silver inside and outside the home.?This beautifully illustrated volume presents highlights from the collection?with stunning photography and entries from leading specialists. In-depth?essays relate a fascinating story about eating, drinking, and entertaining that?spans the history of the Republic and trace the development of the Art?Institute¡¯s holdings of American silver over nearly a century. 266 pages with 169 color illustrations and 151 black and white illustrations Hardcover: 9 1/2″ x 12″ x 1″