Bird cage in the form of a circus wagon
18th century
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Agnes Miles Carpenter
Accession Number
1945-31-2-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the whimsical world of 18th metalwork with this charming *Bird Cage in the Form of a Circus*, a delightful piece from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection. Crafted in an era when finely wrought metal objects were prized for both function and ornament, this cage transforms a practical bird enclosure into a miniature spectacle, mimicking the elaborate wheeled wagons of early traveling circuses. Though the exact medium remains under study, its classification as metalwork suggests skilled craftsmanship—likely involving techniques like forging, soldering, or repoussé to create int...
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...