Card case
19th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Hollis French
Accession Number
1940-94-3-a
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of 19th social etiquette with this elegant card case from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection of costume and accessories. Dating to the 1800s, these small, portable holders were essential for gentlemen and ladies alike, designed to carry calling cards—those crisp introductions exchanged during formal visits. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown, such cases were often crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the era's emphasis on personal presentation and craftsmanship. In Victorian America, card cases symbolized status and civil...
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...