Book cover
19th century
Medium
containers
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Morton J. Seifter
Accession Number
1969-69-1-a/c
About this artwork
Rectangular, front (a) and back (b) book covers of dark brown gutta-percha, each with large circular seal and heraldic device in center, within pierced design of foliage and acorns. Each mounted on red paper and leather binding. Marbleized end papers attached.
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 19th-century book, housed in the Smithsonian American Art's collection, showcases the innovative use of dark brown gutta-percha durable, rubber-like material derived from tropical trees—for its front (a) and back (b) panels. Each rectangular cover features a prominent circular seal bearing a heraldic device at center, encircled by delicate pierced design of foliage and acorns. on vibrant red paper with a leather binding and accented by marbleized endpapers, exemplifies refined Victorian-era craftsmanship. Gutta-percha rose to prominence in the 19th century for its waterproof qu...
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...