Thumbprint
mid-19th century
Classification
glasswares
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Granville Price
Accession Number
1992-163-3
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This intriguing example of 19th-century glassware, titled Thumbprint, dates to the mid-1800s and forms part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, gifted by Mrs. Granville Price. The unknown artist behind this piece underscores the collaborative, often factory-based production of decorative objects during America's industrial expansion. The mid-19th century marked a golden age for American glass, with innovations in pressing allowing for detailed patterns that were once reserved for expensive cut glass. The title "Thumbprint" likely alludes to a characteristic motif of oval or circular indentations, providing both grip and ornamental quality to functional items. As research on this artwork continues, it stands as a testament to the era's blend of utility and beauty, inviting museum visitors to explore how such glasswares reflected social changes, including the rise of middle-class households and their desire for elegant yet accessible home furnishings. This object connects us to the everyday artistry of the past.
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...