Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-6-b-122
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the enigmatic "Wall Facing," a captivating assemblage of tiles dating to circa 1725, now gracing the Smithsonian American Art. Crafted by an unknown artist, this work exemplifies early 18th-century decorative, where tiles served as both functional and ornamental elements in homes and public spaces. As a "wall facing," likely adorned an interior surface, shielding against fire or embellishing architecture with vibrant patterns typical of the era's ceramic traditions. Tiles from this period, often imported or locally produced in styles influenced by Delft ware, held immense cultural sign...
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...