Escutcheon
ca. 1650
Medium
metalwork
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1904-21-47
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Escutcheon, ca. 1650 This intriguing *Escutcheon* from the Smithsonian American Art dates to around 1650, a time when the American colonies were still young and material culture reflected both European influences and emerging local craftsmanship. Crafted in metalwork by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the era's functional yet decorative objects. Escutcheons—shield-shaped emblems often bearing heraldic designs—were commonly used on doors, furniture, or armor to signify family lineage, status, or ownership, blending utility with symbolism. In the mid-17th century, metalworking in the New...
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...