Miser's purse
18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Albert Blum
Accession Number
1953-106-80
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of 18th-century accessories with this intriguing *Miser's Purse*, a charming yet practical item from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection of costume and accessories. Dating to the 1700s, these purses were popular among both men and women as secure ways to carry coins, notes, or small valuables. The "miser's" nameically reflects their clever design—often featuring sliding rings or drawstrings that made quick spending a challenge, embodying the era's thriftiness amid growing colonial economies. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown—research is ongoing—thi...
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...