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-116
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 tile, classified as decorative tiles likely used to adorn interior walls. Crafted by an unknown artist this piece exemplifies the artistry of an era when tiles transformed ordinary spaces into elegant statements of style and craftsmanship. Though the exact medium remains under study, its form suggests durable, glazed ceramics designed for both beauty and practicality in homes or public buildings. Dating to around 1725, the wall facing hails from a time of colonia...
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...