Tile wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-4-390
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to around 1725, offers a glimpse into early 18th-century decorative arts, likely crafted as an architectural embellishment for interiors. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Smithsonian Collection and classified simply as "tiles," it exemplifies the era's use of ceramic panels to adorn walls, fireplaces, or hearths—transforming functional spaces into artistic statements. Though the precise medium and artist remain unknown, its survival speaks to the durability and appeal of such handcrafted elements during colonial America's formative years. ...
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...