The Syng inkstand is a rather significant piece of silverware, you see, primarily known for its starring role in the grand theater of American independence. It’s a silver inkstand, crafted back in 1752 by the skilled hands of Philip Syng. Now, this isn't just any inkstand; it's an artifact that witnessed history unfold, most notably being used for the signatures on the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776 and later, the United States Constitution in 1787. It’s one of the precious few objects that survived from the Constitutional Convention, standing alongside the iconic Liberty Bell, the very chair George Washington occupied, and the hallowed walls of Independence Hall itself. Honestly, the sentimental value alone is enough to make lesser objects weep.
Description
This inkstand, a testament to late Rococo artistry, is more than just a vessel for ink. It's a functional piece designed for the tools of the era: quill pens. An ornate inkstand of this caliber would typically include a holder for pens, an inkpot, a small candle for melting sealing wax (a rather quaint method, wouldn't you agree?), and a shaker-like container for pounce. Pounce, for the uninitiated, was used to dry ink on parchment or vellum, preventing smudges. The Syng inkstand, with its distinct late Rococo embellishments, features these essential components: a pounce pot, a quill holder, and the inkpot, arranged in a specific order, left to right, as one might face it. It's a miniature marvel of design and utility.
History
The story of this inkstand begins with its creator, Philip Syng, an immigrant from Ireland who arrived in America in 1713. Syng wasn't just a craftsman; he was a silversmith of considerable renown, sought after by Philadelphia's affluent families for his exquisite silverwork. He was also deeply embedded in the intellectual and civic life of the burgeoning city, a close associate of the ever-ubiquitous Benjamin Franklin. Syng’s contributions extended to the founding of institutions that would shape American intellectual life: the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, the Union Fire Company, and the University of Pennsylvania. He even held the esteemed position of Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania in 1731.
Commissioned in 1752 by the provincial assembly of Pennsylvania, the inkstand was destined for more than just administrative duties. It was destined to become a silent witness to the birth of a nation. After its pivotal role in the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, the inkstand remained with the State of Pennsylvania. It was transferred to the state capital in Harrisburg after the Constitutional Convention concluded. However, its true homecoming, and the beginning of its broader fame, came in 1876. On the centennial of the Declaration's signing, it was returned to Philadelphia and placed on display in Independence Hall. It sat on a desk directly in front of George Washington's chair, a constant reminder of the momentous events that transpired. Such was its perceived importance that when cracks appeared in the ceiling of Independence Hall in 1922, raising concerns about structural integrity, the inkstand was among the first items deemed too precious to risk, leading to the clearing of visitors from the first floor.
Eventually, the maintenance of Independence Hall transitioned to the National Park Service, and with it, the inkstand came under their care. Today, it resides in a specially designed display case within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. Alongside it are replicas of the very documents it helped bring into existence: the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It’s a rather poignant display, a tangible link to the ideals and the physical act of nation-building.
Depictions
The Syng inkstand hasn't remained solely an object of historical reverence; it has also found its way into artistic representations. It is notably depicted in Howard Chandler Christy's 1940 painting, Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States. Furthermore, John Henry Hintermeister's 1925 work, Foundation of American Government, also features this significant inkstand. More recently, since 2013, a stylized representation of its inkwell has graced the obverse of the United States one-hundred-dollar bill, ensuring its image, if not its physical presence, reaches a much wider audience. It even makes an appearance in John Trumbull's 1819 painting, Declaration of Independence.