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
1926-43-4-94
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 18th-century decoration with this *Tile Wall Facing*, a captivating example of ceramic artistry from around 1725. Crafted by an unknown artist, these tiles formed a decorative facing for walls, showcasing the period's love for intricate patterns and vibrant colors. As part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection, classified simply as "tiles," they highlight the medium's enduring appeal—tiles were prized for their durability waterproof qualities, and ability to transform interiors into lively, storytelling spaces. Dating to the early 1700s, this piece l...
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...