Pocketbook

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of late 18-century daily life with this intriguing *Pocketbook* from the Smithsonian American Art's collection of costume and accessories. Dating to the final decades of the 1700s—a time of revolutionary change in America—this modest yet essential item served as a personal carryall for coins, notes, letters, small treasures. Pocketbooks like this were indispensable accessories, bridging the gap between fashion and function in an era before modern wallets or pockets were commonplace. In the post-Revolutionary period, such objects reflected the era's shifting social norms and craftsmanship. Crafted during the early years of the American republic, it hints at the blend of European influences and emerging American ingenuity in personal adornments. Women often used these drawstring pouches with their gowns, while men carried similar versions as part of their attire, underscoring the period's emphasis on practicality amid neoclassical simplicity. Though research into its precise materials and maker continues, this pocketbook offers a tactile window into everyday 18th-century life. Housed in the Smithsonian's renowned collection, it reminds us how ordinary objects preserve extraordinary stories of culture, commerce, and personal style. (198 words)

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...