Button

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This late 18th-century button, created by an unknown artist, offers a window into everyday fashion during a time of great change. Buttons were vital costume accessories, serving as both practical fasteners and decorative elements on coats, waistcoats, and gowns. As styles evolved toward greater simplicity, these small objects reflected shifting tastes and social values in clothing. Such accessories highlight the skill of period artisans, who turned functional items into expressions of personal style and status. Even modest buttons contributed to the overall look of garments, showing how craftsmanship appeared in daily life. Gifted to the Smithsonian American Art Museum by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, this piece forms part of a collection that preserves historical dress. With research still underway, it invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary objects like buttons connect us to the artistry and culture of the late 1700s.

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...