Purse

Art Historical Context

This delicate purse, crafted around 1860 by an unknown artist, exemplifies the ingenuity of mid-19th-century fashion. Made from paper and silk, it reflects the era's resourceful use of materials during a time of rapid industrialization and the Civil War. Paper, often fashioned into lightweight, molded forms like papier-mâ, paired with luxurious silk, created affordable yet elegant items for everyday carry—holding coins, cards, or calling cards for women navigating social calls and bustling city life. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, this piece highlights the democratic spirit of American craftsmanship. Purses like this were not mere utilities but subtle status symbols, blending humble paper's durability with silk's sheen for a refined, tactile appeal. The unknown artist's technique underscores folk artistry, where accessible media democratized beauty amid economic constraints. Gifted to the Met in 1996 by fashion scholar Richard Martin, the purse invites us to ponder the intimate details of Victorian-era life—small wonders that carried personal stories through history.