Comb

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 the era's fascination with intricate designs inspired by nature, neoclassicism, or exotic motifs, crafted to complement the sweeping skirts and updos of the time. Donated as a thoughtful gift by Mrs. Owen E. Robinson and Mrs. John B. Hendry in memory of Mrs. John A. Logan—a prominent figure in post-Civil War society—this comb joins the Smithsonian's rich holdings of American decorative arts, inviting us to ponder the intimate stories of its original owner. As research progresses, this unassuming yet sophisticated object reminds us how everyday jewelry captured the spirit of 19th-century innovation and elegance, bridging the personal and the cultural.

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...