Battle scenes
ca. 1805
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Elinor Merrell
Accession Number
1995-50-165
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This intriguing textile, titled *Battle Scenes* and dated around 1805, offers a vivid glimpse into early 19th-century visual storytelling. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum as part of the Smithsonian Collection it was generously bequeathed by Elinor Merrell. Classified as, dyed, and painted, the work captures dynamic combat motifs, likely reflecting the era's fascination with military valor amid global conflicts like the Napoleonic and tensions leading to the War of 1812 in. Textiles like this were prized household treasures, blending artistry with everyday utility—perhaps as bedc...
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...