Button

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection costume and accessories, this unassuming *Button* from 1870–1914 offers a glimpse into everyday elegance of the late 19th early 20th centuries Crafted during a transformative era in American fashion—spanning the Gilded Age opulence to the dawn of modern simplicity—buttons like this one were far more than functional fasteners. They served as miniatureases for creativity, often adorned with intricate designs, materials like metal, glass, or fabric, reflecting the wearer's status and taste. Though the artist remains unknown and research is ongoing, the button's inclusion in the Smithsonian highlights its role in personal adornment. Donated by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, renowned for their contributions to design history, it joins a treasury of artifacts that illuminate how accessories democratized luxury. In an age before zippers dominated, buttons were pivotal, evolving from simple bone or wood to elaborate pieces that showcased technological advances in manufacturing and global trade influences. Pause to appreciate this tiny treasure: it whispers stories of hands that fastened it, outfits it graced, and the cultural shifts it survived—reminding us that even the smallest objects carry the weight of history.

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...