Comb
19th century
Classification
jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Owen E. Robinson and Mrs. John B. Hendry in memory of Mrs. John A. Logan
Accession Number
1993-68-47
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant 19th-century comb classified as jewelry in the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection, offers a glimpse into the refined world of personal adornment during America's Victorian era. Though the artist and medium remain unidentified amid ongoing research, such combs were cherished accessories for women, often used to secure and embellish elaborate hairstyles at social gatherings, balls, and daily life. They symbolized status and femininity, blending functionality with subtle artistry in an age when hair fashion was a key expression of identity. Historically, these pieces reflect...
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...