Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-504
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Wall Facing, ca. 1725** This intriguing "Wall Facing" is a rare surviving example of early 18th-century tile, crafted around 1725 by an unknown artist. Composed entirely of tiles, it likely served as a decorative panel or architectural element, adorning interiors in a time when such pieces brought color, pattern, and durability to homes or public spaces. Tiled wall facings were prized for their practicality—resistant to heat, moisture, and wear—while offering a canvas for artistic expression through vibrant glazes and motifs. Dating to the early Georgian era, this artwork reflects the grow...
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...