Box and cover
ca. 1860
Medium
containers
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1957-165-17-a/l
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the elegant **Box and Cover** (ca. 1860), a modest yet captivating artifact from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection. Crafted by an unknown artist the vibrant mid-19th century this piece falls under the classification of containers, reflecting the era's blend of functionality and subtle artistry. Such objects were everyday essentials in American households, often showcasing skilled workmanship in wood, metal, or other materials that elevated the ordinary to the ornamental. In the historical context of 1860 America stood on the cusp of the Civil War, a time when domestic goods ...
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...