Button

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of costume and accessories is a intriguing artifact: a button from the mid-19 century. Created by an unknown artisan, this modest yet evocative piece was generously gifted by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, highlighting its value as a snapshot of everyday elegance from America's antebellum and Civil War eras. While its exact medium awaits further research—currently in progress—it exemplifies the unassuming objects that reveal profound cultural stories. In the mid-1800s, buttons transcended mere functionality, becoming miniature canvases for personal expression and social signaling. Fashion during this period, influenced by Victorian tastes, favored ornate closures on garments like coats, dresses, and vests, often crafted from materials like metal, fabric, or shell to denote status or sentiment. This button, preserved in the Smithsonian's holdings, invites us to ponder the hands that fashioned it and the lives it adorned amid a transformative time in American history. Though details are still emerging through ongoing scholarship, such artifacts remind us that art thrives in the details. Visit this piece to appreciate how a single button bridges utility and artistry, offering a tactile link to the past.

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...