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
1926-43-4-146
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to circa 1725 and crafted by an unknown artist, exemplifies early 18th-century ceramic artistry. Composed of durable tiles, it likely served as a decorative panel for walls or fireplaces, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal in domestic settings. Now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, it was generously gifted by William Randolph Hearst, the renowned collector whose acquisitions enriched American cultural heritage. Tiles like these were prized for their glazed surfaces, which resisted heat and wear while allowing intricate d...
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...