Button
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-59-516-a
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection costume and accessories, this unassuming 19th-century offers a glimpse into everyday Victorian life. Dating from a transformative era of industrialization and fashion innovation, buttons like this one were far more than functional fasteners—they were miniature canvases for personal expression, adorning garments from elegant gowns to utilitarian workwear. Produced in an age when mass manufacturing met artisanal craft, such items highlight the democratization of style, making decorative flair accessible beyond the elite. Though the artist and exact medium remain unidentified—befitting its "Research in Progress" status—this button embodies the cultural role of accessories in 19th-century America. They often featured intricate designs reflecting societal trends, from floral motifs symbolizing femininity to patriotic emblems tied to national identity. Gifted by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, known for their passion for design history, it joins a legacy of objects that preserve the tactile stories of bygone wardrobes. As curators continue to uncover its secrets, this button invites visitors to ponder the hidden artistry in the ordinary, reminding us how small artifacts weave the fabric of history.
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...