Button
late 18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-59-328-a
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of costume and accessories, this enigmatic "Button" dates to the late 18 century—a pivotal era in American history by the young nation's independence and evolving cultural identity. Donated as a gift from collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, for their contributions to design history, this unassuming artifact invites us to ponder the everyday elegance of Revolutionary-era life. Classified among personal adornments, it likely once fastened garments worn by everyday Americans or elites alike, reflecting the period's blend of practicality...
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...