Button

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the late 18th century with this intriguing "Button" from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of costume and accessories. Dating to around the 1770s–1790s, this small artifact captures a pivotal era in American history, marked by the Revolutionary War and the birth of a new nation. Buttons like this one were essential fasteners in everyday attire, evolving from mere utility to symbols of personal style and social standing. Though the artist and medium remain unknown—reflecting ongoing research—this piece highlights the artistry hidden in humble objects. In an age of handcrafted clothing, buttons often featured intricate designs, from metalwork to fabric coverings, adorning waistcoats, coats, and gowns of the period. Donated by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, it joins treasures that reveal how fashion intertwined with cultural shifts, like the move toward simpler, republican aesthetics post-Independence. As research progresses, this button invites us to ponder the lives of its wearers—artisans, merchants, or revolutionaries? A tiny portal to the past, it reminds us that even the smallest items hold stories waiting to be uncovered.

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...