Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-5-539
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, *Wall Facing* (ca. 1725) is a captivating example of early 18th-century tile, classified simply as "tiles" with its precise medium still under study. This piece, donated by the legendary collector William Randolph Hear, likely served as decorative cladding for interior walls, a popular choice in Colonial American homes or grand European-inspired interiors. Tiles from this era often adorned fireplaces, kitchens, or entryways, blending functionality with artistry to ward off soot while adding vibrant patterns or scenes. Though the artist remains u...
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...