Handscreen

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

### Handscreen, 19th Century Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection costume and accessories, this enigmatic *Handscreen* dates to the 19th century and was generously gifted by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt. As a delicate accessory of its era, handscreens were portable items often used by women to shield their faces from heat, sunlight, or even fireplace glow during social gatherings. Crafted anonymously, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Victorian-era fashion, where such objects blended utility with elegance. In the 19th century, handscreens held cultural significance beyond mere protection—they served as subtle tools for communication in polite society, allowing discreet gestures or peeks during conversations or dances. Made from lightweight materials like fabric, lace, or paper mounted on sticks, these accessories reflected the period's emphasis on femininity, modesty, and ornamentation. Though research on this specific piece is ongoing, it offers a window into everyday luxury among the American middle and upper classes. Today, this handscreen invites us to ponder the intimate rituals of 19th-century life, highlighting how personal adornments carried social meaning. Its presence in the Smithsonian underscores the museum's commitment to preserving these tactile links to history. (198 words)

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...