Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-6-b-71
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection *Wall Facing* (ca. 1725) is a captivating example of early 18th-century tiles gifted by the legendary collector William Randolph Hearst These enigmatic pieces, classified simply as "tiles," likely served as decorative wall facings in a domestic or public interior, showcasing the era's blend of functionality and ornamentation. Crafted around the time of America's Colonial expansion, they reflect the growing taste for imported European ceramics or locally produced earthenware that adorned hearths, fireplaces, and wainscoting in prospero...
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...