Tile wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-4-487
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Tile Wall Facing**, dating to circa 1725, offers a glimpse into early 18th-century colonial American life. Created by an unknown artist, it belongs to the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, gifted by the legendary collector William Randolph Hearst. As a prime example of period tilework, it likely served as a decorative panel for walls or fireplaces, enhancing domestic spaces with its enduring craftsmanship. Tiles from this era were valued for their practicality and artistry—resistant to heat and wear, they brought vibrant patterns and subtle elegance to homes influ...
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...