Tile wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-4-306
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to around 1725, represents a fine example of early 18th-century decorative arts preserved in the Smithsonian American Art's collection. Crafted as a series of tiles designed for architectural embellishment—likely adorning a wall, fireplace surround, or interior surface—this artifact speaks to the era's blend of functionality and ornamentation. Though the artist remains unknown and the precise medium awaits further study, its classification as tiles highlights their enduring appeal as a durable, versatile medium for home decoration during America's Colo...
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...