Bottle
early 18th century
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of the Panwy Foundation, from the collection of Maria Wyman
Accession Number
1994-129-6
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Early 18th-Century Bottle Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art's collection, this enigmaticBottle* dates to the early 18 century, a time when colonial America was blossoming with everyday craftsmanship. Classified simply as a "container," represents the utilitarian objects that shaped daily life in the New World—from storing precious liquids like wine, oils, or medicines to serving as humble household essentials. Though the artist and medium remain unknown, its presence in the American art canon highlights how museums preserve not just grand paintings, but the quiet artistry of functio...
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...