Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-313
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Museum's collection, *Wall Facing* (ca. 1725) is a captivating example of early 18th-century tile, classified simply as "tiles." This enigmatic piece, gifted by media magnate William Randolph Hear, evokes the opulent interiors of colonial-era homes. Hearst, a prolific collector of historical artifacts, donated it to the Smithsonian, highlighting its place among treasures that bridge European craftsmanship and American heritage. Crafted around 1725, during the height of Baroque influences in decorative arts, the wall facing likely served as a stylish protect...
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...