Necessaire
mid-18th century
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Sarah Cooper Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-6-39-a/q
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of 18th-century personal luxury with *Necessaire*, a mid-18th-century from the Smithsonian American Art. Dating to the height of the Rococo era this enigmatic object exemplifies the era's fascination with elegance. A "néaire" was an essential accessory for the elite—a compact case designed to hold grooming tools, cosmetics, or writing implements, allowing travelers and socialites to maintain their polished appearance on the go. Though crafted by an unknown artist and its medium still under study, *Necessaire* reflects the period's emphasis on intricate design and f...
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...