Segment of a Floral Wreath
ca. 1802
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Hamill and Barker
Accession Number
1961-105-112
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the early 19th century withSegment of a Floral Wath*, a delicate drawing created around 1802 by an unknown artist. This fragment captures a portion of an intricate floral arrangement, likely rendered with fine lines typical of period drawings—perhaps using pencil, ink or watercolor on paper. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum as part of the Smithsonian Collection it was generously gifted by Hamill and Barker, reflecting the enduring appeal of nature-inspired motifs in American folk and decorative arts. Floral wreaths held deep symbolic meaning during this era, evoking the...
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...