Baby Rattle
18th century
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen
Accession Number
1941-34-8
About this artwork
Open cage formed of eight silver filigree straps featuring delicate scroll and leaf motifs on each, straps attached to ball above, which rotates and slides up and down central post; attached to base of cage is circular, filigree frame, beneath which hang 6 bells on links (five bells are unadorned; a sixth, which is evidently a replacement, features leaf motifs); 6 structural spokes extend inward from links to ring attached to central post; small domed disc with filigree work situated above cage,...
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...