Tile
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1941-76-1-kkk
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic tile, dating to around 1725, offers a glimpse into early 18th-century craftsmanship, likely from the Colonial American era. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Smithsonian Collection, it exemplifies the decorative tiles that adorned hearths, walls, and architectural features in homes of the period. Such tiles were prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal, blending functionality with artistry in everyday spaces. Though the artist and medium remain unknown—pending further research—this piece reflects the era's transatlantic influences, where European technique...
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...