Description
Traditionally, a cup like this would have held a warm beverage known as caudle, a mixture of eggs, bread, oats, mulled ale or wine, milk, and spices. As indicated by its size, this cup was meant for use by a group, most likely at a special occasion where it could be passed around and its contents shared. It was probably made for the christening of Philip van Cortlandt (1683–1746) in 1683.
Provenance
Stephanus Van Cortlandt (1643-1700) or his son Philip Van Cortlandt (1683-1746), New York; by descent to Pierre Van Cortlandt (1721-1814), New York; by descent to his granddaughter, Ann Beekham de Peyster (1778-1857); by descent to her daughter Catherine Matilda Von Cortlandt de Peyster (1818-1886); by descent to Bishop Parsons (1851-unknown); by descent to Cortlandt Field Bishop (1870-1935); by descent to his wife Amy Bend Bishop (d. 1957); given to her heir and companion, Edith Nixon (Mrs. Shirley Douglas Falcke); with James Graham and Sons, New York, by 1955; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1955.
Accession Number
83917
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
8.9 × 22.9 × 15.2 cm (3 1/2 × 9 × 6 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Credit Line
Purchased with funds provided by the Antiquarian Society and Dr. and Mrs. C. Phillip Miller
