Scarf pin with salamander
late 19th century
Classification
jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Anonymous Donor
Accession Number
1953-178-79
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, the *Scarf Pin with Salamander* is a delicate jewel from the late 19th century, gifted by an anonymous donor. As a piece of personal adornment classified as jewelry, it exemplifies the era's fascination with intricate accessories. Scarf pins like this one were essential for gentlemen's fashion, securing cravats or ascots with both function and flair during the Victorian and early Edwardian periods. The standout feature is its salamander motif, a creature steeped in folklore and symbolism. Often linked to fire and rebirth in mytholog...
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...