Button
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1931-59-104
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This unassuming yet intriguing artifact, titled simply *Button*, hails from the 19th century and in the Smithsonian American Art's collection of costume and accessories. As a small but essential element of everyday attire, it exemplifies the overlooked artistry in functional objects from America's Victorian era. Buttons like this one were more than fasteners—they adorned garments, signaling social status, craftsmanship, and evolving fashion trends amid rapid industrialization and cultural shifts. Though the artist's identity and precise medium remain unknown, with research ongoing, the button...
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...