Bag
early 19th century
Medium
costume & accessories
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1908-3-4
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of early 19-century American fashion with this intriguing *Bag* from the Smithsonian American Art's collection of costume and accessories. Crafted by unknown maker around the 1800s to 1830s, this piece exemplifies the delicate accessories that complemented everyday attire during a time of rapid social change in the young United States. As reticules or drawstring purses became popular, bags like this served practical purposes—holding essentials like handkerchiefs, coins, or calling cards—while signaling refinement and personal style. Though research on this specific...
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...