Tile wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-4-521
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to circa 1725, graces the Smithsonian American Art Museum a gift from the legendary collector William Hearst. Classified simply "tiles," this decorative element likely once adorned a wall or fireplace surround, embodying the refined craftsmanship of the early 18th century Hearst, known for amassing vast troves of art and antiquities, donated it to the Smithsonian Collection, underscoring its value as a preserved slice of period design. Though the artist and precise medium remain unknown— with research still in progress—this piece evokes the opulent in...
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...