Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-67
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite "Wall Facing," crafted around 1725 from ceramic tiles, offers a glimpse into early th-century decorative arts. As a classified architectural element in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection it likely served as an ornamental panel for interiors, showcasing the era's growing fascination with durable, colorful tilework in homes and public spaces. Though the artist remains unknown, such pieces reflect the craftsmanship of colonial America or European imports adapted to New World tastes, where tiles provided both aesthetic appeal and practical protection against wear. The...
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...