Purse
early 19th century
Medium
costume & accessories
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Albert Blum
Accession Number
1953-106-16
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of early 19th-century fashion with this delicate purse from the Smithsonian American Museum's costume and accessories collection. Dating to the early 1800s and created by an unknown artisan, piece was generously gifted by Mrs. Albert. As part of the Smithsonian Collection, it represents a treasured artifact currently under active research, inviting us to more about its story. In an era when women's dresses often lacked pockets—favoring the slim, high-waisted silhouettes inspired by neoclassical trends—purses like this became essential companions. They blended pract...
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...