Button

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Button** *Agostino Brunias (Italian, ca. 1730–1796), late 18th century Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of R. Keith Kane from the Estate of Mrs. Robert B. Noyes* Agostino Brunias, an Italian-born artist renowned for his lively paintings of multicultural Caribbean society during the late 18th century, brings an unexpected artifact to light with this "Button." Classified under costume and accessories in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, it exemplifies the small yet telling details of everyday fashion from the colonial era. Brunias, who worked extensively in the British West Indies after training in London, captured the vibrancy of free Blacks, Europeans, and mixed-race communities in his canvases—making this button a potential window into the attire of those worlds. Though the medium remains unidentified and research is ongoing, such accessories were essential to 18th-century dress, often crafted with intricate designs reflecting social status, trade influences, or local craftsmanship. Donated from the Estate of Mrs. Robert B. Noyes via R. Keith Kane, this piece highlights the Smithsonian's dedication to preserving humble objects that reveal broader cultural stories. Imagine it fastening a waistcoat or adorning a garment in a bustling Dominica market— a tiny survivor of history's rich tapestry.