Button
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1931-59-121
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Museum's collection of costume and accessories, this enigmatic 19th-century *Button* offers a glimpse into the everyday artistry of Victorian-era America. Though its creator remains unknown and research is ongoing, such buttons were ubiquitous fasteners on garments, transforming simple clothing into statements of style and status. Crafted during a time of rapid industrialization, they bridged handmade traditions and machine production, appearing on everything from men's waistcoats to women's elaborate dresses. In the 19th century buttons evolved from mere u...
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...