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
1926-43-4-555
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Smithsonian American Art Museum where history comes alive through everyday artistry. The *Tile Wall Facing*, created around 1725 by an unknown, is a striking example of early 18th-century tilework Classified simply as "tiles," this medium was valued for its practicality and beauty, often used to clad walls in homes or buildings, providing both protection and visual interest during the Colonial era. Dating to circa 1725 places this piece amid America's formative years, when decorative tiles bridged European traditions and emerging local craftsmanship. As research continues on it...
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...