No Cross, No Crown

Anna K. Weaver, No Cross, No Crown, 1874, albumen silver print of a photogram, sheet and image: 10 ³⁄₈ x 8 ¹⁄₂ in. (26.3 x 21.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the Charles Isaacs Collection made possible in part by the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 1994.91.284

Free to use

Artwork Details

Title: No Cross, No Crown
Artist: Anna K. Weaver
Date: 1874
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: sheet and image: 10 ³⁄₈ x 8 ¹⁄₂ in. (26.3 x 21.5 cm.)
Credit Line: Museum purchase from the Charles Isaacs Collection made possible in part by the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Mediums Description: albumen silver print of a photogram
Classifications: Photography
Photoprint
Subjects: Allegory — religion — salvation
Object — foliage — fern
Object Number: 1994.91.284
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1994.91.284

Artwork Description

No Cross, No Crown combines references to spiritual belief and botany in a photogram, an image made by arranging objects on lightsensitive paper. When Anna K. Weaver created her picture, many accomplished women botanists were struggling in vain to join the nation’s ranks of male professionals. Even the eminent Elizabeth Britton, author of hundreds of botanical articles and founder of two botanical societies, was awarded only an “honorary” curatorship at the New York Botanical Garden, which she also helped to found. In the context of its time, Weaver’s innovative image makes a poignant connection to the plight of those who were challenging the convention that females should devote their talents to cooking, embroidery, and other domestic arts.

The Great American Hall of Wonders, 2011