Button
late 18th century
Medium
costume & accessories
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1925-2-30
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of and accessories, this unassuming "Button" from the late 18 century offers a tiny window into the elegance of everyday attire during America's formative years. Crafted amid the Revolutionary era and early republic, buttons like this one adorned waistcoats, coats, gowns, blending functionality with subtle artistry. They were essential fasteners but often elevated by intricate designs, reflecting the wearer's social standing and the era's growing appreciation for refined personal style. Though the artist's identity remains unknown an...
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...