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
1926-43-4-164
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Tile Wall Facing**, dating circa 1725, a glimpse into early 18th-century decorative arts in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Craft by an unknown artist using durable ceramic tiles, this architectural element was likely designed to adorn interior walls, providing both practical protection against wear—such as from fireplaces—and vibrant visual interest. Its classification as "tiles" highlights the medium's popularity in the colonial era, where such pieces blended functionality with artistry. Though research into its precise origins and techniques is ongoing, the wall facin...
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...