Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-61
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 18th decorative arts with *Wall Facing*, a captivating assembly of tiles dating to around 1725. Crafted by an unknown artist, this piece—now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum—was generously gifted by newspaper magnate and avid collector William Randolph Hearst As a "wall facing," it likely served as a striking interior or architectural element, showcasing the era's fascination with durable, vibrant tilework to adorn fireplaces, chimneys, or room panels. Tiles like these were a hallmark of colonial-era craftsmanship, valued for their glossy glazes, in...
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...