Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-487
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Wall Facing*, crafted around 1725 from meticulously arranged tiles, offers a glimpse into early 18th-century decorative arts. Dating to the colonial, these tiles likely adorned interior wall, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes—protecting surfaces while transforming spaces into vibrant displays of craftsmanship. Though the artist remains unknown and research is ongoing, the piece exemplifies the era's growing appreciation for imported or locally produced ceramics, blending utility with artistry. Gifted to the Smithsonian American Museum by media magnate and avid col...
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...