Cutlery case
1799
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Samuel P. Avery
Accession Number
1898-6-12
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of late 18th-century American households with this intriguing *Cutlery Case* from 1799, now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Smithsonian Collection. Crafted at the dawn of the Federal period—just two decades after the American Revolution—this modest yet essential container would have safeguarded precious silverware, a hallmark of prosperity and domestic elegance. Such objects bridged utility and artistry, reflecting the growing sophistication of American craftsmanship amid influences from British and European traditions. Classified simply as a "conta...
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...