Table
19th century
Classification
furniture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of the Hulla family in memory of Mark Wilson Hulla
Accession Number
1987-37-1
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection this 19th-century represents the everyday artistry of American furniture making during a transformative era. Donated by the Hulla in memory of Mark Wilson Hulla, exemplifies how ordinary household objects became vessels for craftsmanship, reflecting the nation's growing industrial prowess and taste for refined domesticity. Though the artist and exact medium remain unidentified, such pieces often embodied the period's blend of functionality and subtle elegance. In the 19th century, American furniture evolved from colonial simplicity to ornate Victorian styles, influenced by European trends and local innovations. Tables like this one served as social hubs—centers for meals, games, and family gatherings—highlighting cultural values of hospitality and community. Its inclusion in the Smithsonian underscores the museum's commitment to preserving these tangible links to daily life, where woodworkers showcased joinery techniques and regional motifs. Currently under research, this table invites ongoing discovery, reminding us that even humble artifacts hold stories yet to be fully told. Visitors are encouraged to ponder its journey from an anonymous workshop to a cherished memorial gift, sparking curiosity about the hands that shaped it.
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...