Stick pin
late 19th century
Medium
jewelry
Classification
jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Anonymous Donor
Accession Number
1953-178-83
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of jewelry, where this elegant **Stick Pin** from the late 19th century shines as a subtle testament to everyday luxury. Dating to the Gilded Age—a time of rapid industrialization and opulent personal adornment in America—this piece reflects the era's fascination with refined accessories. Stick pins, often worn by men to secure cravats, ties, or ascots, bridged the gap between utilitarian function and artistic expression, transforming a simple fastener into a statement of style and status. Crafted as jewelry, this stick pin exemplifi...
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...