Button
late 18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1931-59-216-d
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Museum's collection of costume and accessories, this unassuming "Button" hails from the late 18th century pivotal era in American history marked by the Revolutionary War and the birth of a new nation. Buttons like this one were more than mere fasteners; they adorned clothing for men, women, and children reflecting everyday life, social status, and emerging American tastes influenced by European fashions yet adapted to colonial realities. Though the artist and medium remain unknown—pending ongoing research—this artifact highlights the artistry in utilitarian...
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...