Tailpiece
Medium
graphic design
Classification
graphic design
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1953-48-79
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Tailpiece** *Homer Wayland Colby (American, 1874–1950), ca. 1910* Graphic design; Smithsonian American Art Museum Created around 1910 by American artist Homer Wayland Colby, *Tailpiece* exemplifies early 20th-century graphic design, a period when printed materials like books, magazines, and advertisements flourished with decorative elements. As a tailpiece—a small ornamental motif traditionally placed at the end of a chapter or page—this work served both functional and aesthetic purposes, signaling closure while enhancing visual harmony. Colby's design reflects the era's emphasis on c...