Wall facing
ca. 1725
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of William Randolph Hearst
Accession Number
1926-43-7-b-152
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic "Wall Facing," dating to around 1725, invites visitors to ponder the artistry of early 18th tilework. Classified as tiles and part of the Smithsonian American Art's collection, it likely served as a decorative panel or cladding for interior walls, a popular feature in colonial homes or public spaces. Though the exact medium and artist remain unknown—research is ongoing—the piece reflects the era's growing fascination with durable, ornamental surfaces that combined functionality with subtle elegance. In the historical context of the 1720s, such tile installations were symbols of...
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...