Tile
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1920-15-147
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This delicate tile, crafted in the late 18th to early 19th century by an unknown artist, offers a glimpse into the everyday artistry of its time. As part of the Smithsonian American Museum's collection, it the medium of ceramic tiles—durable, versatile surfaces often used to embellish fireplaces, walls, or floors in homes. Donated by collectors Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, generous gifts enriched American design holdings, this piece reflects the period's growing appreciation for decorative crafts amid the young nation's Federal-era tastes. Though details of its exact origin and design remain und...
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...