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 democ...