Purse
1640â1700
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf in memory of his mother, Adeline Emma Greenleaf
Accession Number
1962-55-8
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant purse, dating from 1640–1700, offers a glimpse into the daily lives of early Colonial Americans. Crafted during a time when European settlers were establishing communities in the New World, such accessories were essential for carrying coins, keys, or small necessities. As part of the Smithsonian American Art's costume and accessories collection, it reflects the practical yet refined tastes of the era, when personal items blended functionality with subtle craftsmanship. Though the artist and medium remain unidentified—pending ongoing research—this artifact underscores the anonymou...
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...