Buttons

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

### Buttons *Late 18th century* *Unknown artist* *Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt* Step into the elegant world of late 18th-century fashion with these intriguing *Buttons*, small yet significant artifacts from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of costume and accessories. Crafted during a transformative era—the waning years of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution—these buttons reflect the period's blend of functionality and ornamentation. As everyday garments grew more refined, buttons evolved from simple fasteners into decorative statements, often adorning waistcoats, coats, and dresses of the emerging middle class. Though the precise medium remains under study (research in progress), their inclusion in the Smithsonian highlights their role in American material culture. Donated by sisters Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt—passionate collectors and pioneers in decorative arts—these pieces connect us to the Hewitt family's legacy of preserving everyday artistry. In an age before mass production, such buttons showcased skilled craftsmanship, possibly handcrafted with metals, textiles, or enamels, symbolizing personal style and social aspiration. Today, they invite us to ponder the unsung heroes of historical attire: how tiny objects fastened not just fabric, but the threads of daily life across centuries. (198 words)

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...