Button

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This unassuming yet intriguing *Button* from the late 18th century offers a glimpse into everyday life during America's formative years, just after the Revolutionary War. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Smithsonian Collection and classified under costume and accessories, it was generously gifted by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt. Though the artist's identity and exact medium remain under research, such buttons were essential fasteners in period clothing, adorning waistcoats, breeches, and gowns of the era. In the late 1700s, buttons transcended mere utility, becoming markers of fashion, status, and craftsmanship. Wealthier individuals favored ornate designs in silver, brass, or fabric-covered forms, often imported via transatlantic trade or handmade by local artisans. This artifact reflects the burgeoning American consumer culture, where even small accessories showcased European influences blended with emerging colonial styles. Simple yet skillfully made, it hints at the meticulous handiwork that defined pre-industrial fashion. As research progresses, this button invites us to ponder the intimate details of history—how a tiny object stitched into daily wear connected people across classes and continents, preserving stories in its subtle curves and patina. A perfect reminder that art and design thrive in the overlooked.

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...