Tile/tile fragment
17th century
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor M. Delanoy
Accession Number
1978-169-7
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic 17th-century tile, part of the Smithsonian American Art's collection, offers a into the world of early modern ceramics. Donated by Eleanor M. Delanoy, this delicate piece—crafted in the medium of tiles—likely served as architectural decoration, such as in fireplaces, hearths, or wall panels common in colonial homes. Though the artist remains unknown and research is ongoing, its survival speaks to the durability of tilework, a practical yet artistic form that blended functionality with subtle ornamentation. In the 17th century, tiles represented a pinnacle of artisanal skill, of...
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...