Button
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1931-59-148
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of costume and accessories, this enigmatic 19th-century button a glimpse into everyday American life. Though its creator remains unknown and details like the medium are still under study, buttons like this were essential fasteners in clothing, evolving from simple bone or metal pieces to ornate decorations that reflected social status and fashion trends of the era. During the 1800s, the rise of industrialization made buttons more accessible, turning a humble utilitarian object into a canvas for creativity. As part of the Smithsonian'...
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...