Button

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 window into everyday Victorian life. Donated by the esteemed collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewittfounders of what became the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum—it exemplifies how small objects captured the spirit of personal adornment in 19th-century America. simply as "costume & accessories," it us that fashion history thrives on such modest artifacts. During the 1800s, buttons evolved from purely functional fasteners to decorative statements, fueled by the Industrial Revolution's mass production techniques. Made from materials like metal, glass, shell, or fabric, they embellished everything from utilitarian aprons to lavish gowns, signaling social status, regional tastes, and technological ingenuity. This era's buttons often featured intricate piercings, embossing, or motifs inspired by nature and neoclassicism, blending utility with artistry. Though research on this particular button is ongoing, it invites visitors to appreciate the anonymous craftsmanship behind America's fashion story. A tiny treasure, it connects us to the hands that wore it amid a century of rapid change—from Civil War uniforms to Gilded Age opulence. Stop by the Smithsonian to discover more!

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...