Wall facing
ca. 1725
Medium
tiles
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-7-b-141
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite "Wall Facing," dating to around 1725, is a captivating example of early 18th-century tile from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection. Craft as a decorative wall panel, these tiles represent the artistry of an unknown maker during the colonial era, when such pieces adorned hearths, chimneys, and interior walls in affluent American homes. Imported or locally produced in styles influenced by European traditions like Dutch Delft, tiles like these served both functional and ornamental purposes, shielding surfaces from heat while adding vibrant color and pattern to everyday...
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...