Tile wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-4-50
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to around 1725, exemplifies 18th-century decorative arts from the colonial period. Crafted from ceramic tiles, it likely served as a protective and ornamental panel for fireplaces or interior walls in American homes, a common feature in prosperous households of the time. These installations blended functionality with artistry, shielding combustible surfaces from hearth fires while adding vibrant color and pattern to everyday spaces. Though the artist remains unknown, the work reflects the influence of European tile-making traditions—particularly Dutch...
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...