Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-12
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the enigmatic world of early 18th-century American decorative arts with *Wall Facing*, a captivating set of tiles dating to around 1725. Classified as architectural tiles, this piece likely served as an ornate wall covering, transforming ordinary interiors into spaces of elegance and warmth. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown—befitting its "Research in Progress"—these tiles whisper of colonial craftsmanship, possibly adorning fireplaces or room panels in prosperous households. Acquired as a gift from the legendary collector William Randolph Hearst, *Wall Facing* enter...
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...