Button
late 18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1925-2-27-a/c
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 hand...
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...