Button
mid-19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1925-2-410-c
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of costume and accessories, this unassuming "Button" hails from the mid-19th—a pivotal era in American history marked by rapid industrialization, the Civil War, and evolving fashion trends. During the 1840s to 1860s, buttons transitioned from mere fasteners to fashionable statements, often adorning garments like dresses, coats, and uniforms. Adorned with potential intricate designs or materials reflective of the time, such objects offer a glimpse into everyday life, social status, and craftsmanship of Victorian America. Though the ar...
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...