Painting on a white circular men’s coat button with a gold outline. In the center is a red and purple caterpillar with small orange hairs. The caterpillar bends to stand on a thin, brown tree branch. Other branches curve, both reaching above the caterpillar and beneath it. The branches are dotted with olive green leaves. There are minor chips to the piece where the gold metal meets the white button on the right side.

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Object Timeline

1959	We acquired this object.
2015	We photographed this object. We photographed this object.
2019	We exhibited this object.
2024	You found it!

Buttons [3]

This is a Buttons [3]. We acquired it in 1959. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

In the 1780s, men’s coat buttons became increasingly large and contained subject matter meant to invite curiosity, provoke conversation, and fulfill the need for novelty. In 1787, Baroness Oberkirch commented on this fashion: "The buttons of men’s jackets were no less bizarre. They showed portraits, such as that of the kings of France, the twelve Caesars and sometimes family miniatures."Along with the aforementioned butterfly, other types of insects also became popular motifs on oversized buttons.

This object was bequest of Julia Hutchins Wolcott. It is credited Bequest of Julia Hutchins Wolcott.

The components of the dress are integrated into a single garment comprised of a bell-form skirt shared by multiple bodices with sleeves. Overall, the style of the garment is reminscent of a circa 1900's period dress. The garment is displayed suspended from above, filling it with airy volume and giving the impression of a multi-armed wearer or wearers. Two bodices are visible, each having two outstretched sleeves. They are presented as animated 'figures' reaching out with bent elbows. The two figures face in opposing directions. The sleeves have cuffs with two-button closures. Each bodice has a pointed collar and a vertical row of buttons extending from the collar to its waistband. Between/behind the left figure and the right figure the back of a third collar is visible, a hint of a third 'figure' facing away from the viewer. The long, gathered, skirt material is attached underneath a waistband. The soft folds in the skirt material give the illusion of volume. The installation is lit by a dramatic light source which makes it seem to glow imbuing it with an ethereal/ghostly quality (as suggested by the title of the work - “FANTASMA.”) The effect of the light produces a fluorescence giving the illusion of colors ranging from blue to aqua. The textile is unpatterned, appears crinkly and sheer, with visible seams and hem.

Fantasma, 2019
garment, silk worm cocoons and raw silk threads.
Courtesy of AnotherFarm.
NATURE.023

Cite this object as

Buttons [3]; Bequest of Julia Hutchins Wolcott; 1959-66-233-a/c

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Embroidered and Embellished.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2DYLD/
Accession Number 1959-66-233-a/c
Object ID 18726613