Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-337
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Wall Facing*, crafted from tiles around 1725, offers a glimpse into early th-century decorative arts. Though the artist remains unknown, these tiles likely served as an elegant cladding for interior walls, a popular choice for fireplaces, chimneypieces, or room accents in colonial homes. The medium of tiles—typically glazed earthenware—highlighted skilled craftsmanship in molding, painting, and firing, creating durable, vibrant surfaces that resisted wear while adding color and pattern to everyday spaces. Dating to the height of the Colonial period in America, this piece refle...
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...