Button
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Grace Lincoln
Accession Number
1940-108-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection costume and accessories, this 19th-century button offers a glimpse into the everyday artistry of American life. Donated as a gift from Grace Lincoln, it exemplifies small-scale objects that once adorned clothing, blending functionality with subtle design. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown, its highlights how such humble items were crafted with care, reflecting the era's evolving tastes in fashion and personal adornment. In the 19th century buttons transitioned from simple fasteners to decorative elements, often showca...
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...