Tile/tile fragment
17th century
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor M. Delanoy
Accession Number
1978-169-11
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic 17th-century tile or tile fragment invites visitors to ponder the artistry of everyday objects from a transformative era. Housed in the Smithsonian American Museum's collection through the generous gift of Eleanor M. Delanoy, it belongs to the Smithsonian Collection of tiles, with ongoing research poised to reveal more about its origins and maker—currently unknown, as is its precise medium. Tiles from this period were cornerstones of interior design, often gracing fireplaces, floors, and walls in homes Europe and the burgeoning American colonies. Crafted with skill to withstand...
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...