Escutcheon
ca. 1790
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1914-27-5
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Escutcheon *ca. 1790 • Unknown artist • Metalwork • Smithsonian American Art MuseumStep into the refined world of late 18th-century American craftsmanship with this intriguing *Escutcheon*, a shield-shaped metal ornament dating to around 1790.utcheons were essential decorative and functional elements in early American homes and furnishings, often adorning keyholes, hinges, or escutcheons on doors cabinets to protect surfaces while adding elegance. Crafted during the early years of the United States, this piece reflects the growing sophistication of colonial metalwork, blending utility with...
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...