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
1926-43-4-307
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Tile Wall Facing*, dating to around 1725, exemplifies early 18th-century ceramic artistry through its medium of meticulously crafted tiles. Likely designed as a decorative panel for interior walls or fireplaces, these assemblages were prized for their durability, vibrant glazes, and ability to withstand heat and wear—practical qualities that elevated everyday architecture into something artistic. Created by an unknown artisan, the piece reflects the colonial era's blend of European tile-making traditions with emerging American craftsmanship, a time when such installations ador...
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...