Pair of escutcheons
ca. 1810
Medium
metalwork
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1914-27-1-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Smithsonian American Art Museum's display of this intriguing *Pair of Escutcheons*, crafted around 1810 by an unknown artisan. Dating to the early Federal period in the United States, these metalwork pieces exemplify the refined decorative arts of a young nation drawing inspiration from classical antiquity. Escutcheons—ornamental shields or plates— essential household items, often adorning keyholes on doors furniture to blend functionality with elegance, protecting surfaces while adding a touch of sophistication to domestic spaces. Fashioned from metal, likely through technique...
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...