Box
ca. 1835
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Estelle S. Frankfurter
Accession Number
1959-164-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the enigmatic world of 19th-century American domestic life with *Box*, a modest yet intriguing artifact dated around 1835. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection this unnamed artist's creation falls under the classification of containers, hinting at its practical role in everyday storage—perhaps for valuables, spices, or personal keepsakes. Crafted during the antebellum era, when America was buzzing with expanding trade, early industrialization, and a growing appreciation for finely made household objects, this box embodies the blend of utility and subtle artistry...
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...