Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-121
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the early 18th century withWall Facing*, a captivating set of tiles from around 1725 now housed in the Smithsonian American Museum. Classified simply as "tiles," this artwork likely served as decorative cladding for interior walls, a common feature in grand homes or public spaces of the Colonial era. Its anonymous creation adds an air of mystery, inviting us to ponder the skilled hands—perhaps local artisans or imported craftsmen—that shaped these pieces during a time when tilework blended functionality with subtle elegance. Donated as a gift from William Randolph Hearst, the legend...
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...