Button
19th century
Medium
costume & accessories
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-59-712-a
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This unassuming yet intriguing artifact, simply titled *Button*, hails from the 19th century and belongs the Smithsonian's collection of costume and accessories. Donated by the notable collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt—founders of what became the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum—it exemplifies everyday objects elevated to art through meticulous craftsmanship. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this awaits deeper research, inviting visitors to ponder its hidden stories. In the 19th century buttons transcended mere functionality as garment fasteners, becoming miniature can...
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...