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
1926-43-4-97
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to around 1725, exemplifies early 18th-century ceramic artistry with its meticulously crafted tiles designed for interior decoration. Created by an unknown artisan, these pieces likely adorned a prominent wall surface, such as a fireplace or chimney breast, a common feature in colonial American homes. The medium of glazed tiles was prized for its durability, vibrant colors, and ability to withstand heat, making it both functional and ornamental in everyday domestic life. In the context of American decorative arts, such tilework reflects the transatlan...
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...