Button
late 19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-59-316-a,p
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of and accessories, this intriguing "Button" from the late 19th offers a glimpse into the everyday artistry of Victorian-era fashion. Donated by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, generous gifts enriched many institutions, this unassuming object highlights how functional items like buttons transcended utility to become miniature works of design. Classified among personal adornments, it reflects the era's booming textile and accessory industries, where buttons adorned everything from tailored suits to delicate gowns. Though the arti...
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...