Pair of sleeves
18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. James O. Green
Accession Number
1896-11-1-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 18th fashion with this intriguing *Pair of Sleeves*, a delicate remnant from the Smithsonian American Art's collection of costumes and accessories. Dating to the 1700s, these sleeves exemplify the detachable garment pieces popular during the Rococo era, when women's attire emphasized versatility, modesty, and ornamental flair. Worn over simpler bodices, they allowed for quick style changes, reflecting the social customs of the time where layered clothing signified status and refinement in both European courts and emerging American households. Though the artist a...
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...