Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-38
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Wall Facing, ca. 1725 This intriguing "Wall Facing" is a captivating example of early 18th-century tilework, classified simply as "tiles" from an unknown medium and artist. Dating to around 1725, it likely served as a decorative architectural element, adorning interiors in homes or public spaces during the Colonial era. Such wall facings were prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal, transforming ordinary walls into vibrant displays that reflected the era's growing taste for ornamentation amid America's emerging colonial culture. Tiles like these held significant cultural importa...
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...