Fountain in a Park
1800â1825
Medium
architecture
Classification
architecture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-361
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection *Fountain in a Park (ca. 1800–1825) captures a slice of early American architectural design from an unknown creator. Acquired through museum purchase with gifts from various donors, this architectural piece—likely a model or sculptural element—evokes charm of public green spaces during the young nation's formative years. Research into its precise origins is ongoing, adding an element of mystery that invites visitors to ponder its story. Dating to the early 19th, the fountain reflects the era's growing emphasis on urban beautification...
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...