Smiling Female
ca. 1902
Medium
containers
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener
Accession Number
1978-146-376
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Smiling Female** (ca. 1902) is a charming example of early 20th-century functional art from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection. Classified and crafted as a container, this piece likely served a practical purpose—perhaps as a vessel, box, or decorative holder—while featuring a joyful female figure with a smiling expression. The unknown artist's design blends utility with whimsy, turning everyday objects sculptural delights that invite interaction and admiration. Dating to around 1902, the work reflects the Arts and Crafts era's emphasis on handmade beauty in domestic items, whe...
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...