Box and cover
ca. 1785
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Sarah Cooper Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-6-87-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Box and Cover (ca. 1785) This elegant "Box and Cover," dating to around 1785, hails from the early years of the American Republic, a time when the young nation was embracing its independence and fostering a distinct cultural identity. Classified as a container within the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, it likely served practical yet refined purposes—perhaps holding jewelry, toiletries, or keepsakes in a genteel household. Such objects were cornerstones of 18th-century domestic life, blending functionality with subtle artistry to reflect the era's growing appreciation for cra...
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...