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-176
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the early 18th century withWall Facing*, a captivating assemblage of tiles dating to around 1725. Crafted by an unknown artist, work exemplifies the decorative tilework that adorned colonial interiors, serving as durable wall coverings that combined functionality with artistry. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, highlights the era's blend of practicality and ornamentation, where tiles protected surfaces from soot and wear while adding vibrant visual interest. Tiles like these were a hallmark of transatlantic trade and craftsmanship, often imported from Europ...
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...