Sleeve Buttons

DateMid 18th century

Artist/Maker James T. Butler III 1713 - 1736

Medium20K gold alloy (XRF)

DimensionsDiam. 1/2".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-289,1

DescriptionButton. Octagonal; incised scroll pattern suggesting fleur-de-lis.Label TextWomen sometimes wore sleeve buttons to fasten their shift sleeves. Notice the portrait of Deborah Glen, who holds up her right arm to show her fine lace-edged shift with two buttonholes in the cuff for removable sleeve buttons, linked together.Mark(s)"IB" in relief within a rectangle: possibly for James Butler (1713-1736), who worked in Boston with exception of a brief sojurn in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1750.ProvenanceEx collection John Marshall Phillips, Yale University Gallery of Art.
Vendor: Yale University Art Gallery