7 fragments of vessels
1st century BCâ5th century AD
Classification
glasswares
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Anonymous Donor
Accession Number
1928-15-4-a,b,c,g,h,m,n,
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
These seven fragments of ancient vessels offer a tantalizing glimpse into daily life across a vast span of history, from the 1st BC to the 5th century AD. Classified as glasswares from the Smithsonian Collection, they likely originated in the Mediterranean world during the late Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras, when glass production flourished as a versatile craft. Gifted anonymously to the Smithsonian American Art Museum these pieces highlight the museum's commitment to preserving artifacts that bridge art, archaeology, and cultural heritage. Glass vessels from this period were revolut...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...