Miser's purse
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Walburga Schelble
Accession Number
1931-17-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of 19th-century with this intriguing *Miser's Purse*, a charming accessory from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection of costume and accessories. Dating to the 1800s, these purses were ingeniously designed with two compartments accessed by sliding rings, allowing users—often women—to separate coins or small valuables securely. The name "miser's purse" evokes a playful nod to thriftiness, reflecting Victorian-era values of practicality and modesty amid growing consumerism. Though the artist remains unknown and research is ongoing, this piece highlights the artistry o...
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...