Letter case
18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1925-2-65
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### 18th-Century Letter CaseStep into the refined world of 18th personal accessories with this intriguing *Letter case* from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection. Dating to the 1700s, this object falls under the costume and accessories classification, hinting at its role in daily life during the Georgian era. Letter cases were practical yet elegant holders for correspondence, often carried in pockets or reticules by men and women alike, reflecting the growing culture of letter-writing amid rising literacy and transatlantic communication. Though the artist and medium remain unident...
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...