Wall tile
late 16th–early 17th century
Classification
tiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Russell C. Veit
Accession Number
1951-66-7
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This square wall tile displays a symmetrical arrangement of floral and leafy motifs against a creamy white ground. At the center, a star-shaped blossom in blue and white radiates outward, encircled by larger flowers rendered in deep blue, turquoise, green, and touches of brown. Interconnecting vines and smaller leaves fill the spaces between these elements, creating a balanced, repeating pattern that extends to the edges. The surface shows visible wear and chipping along the borders, highlighting its age and original placement within a larger decorative scheme. Created by an unknown artist in the late 16th to early 17th century, the tile belongs to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection. Its intricate design reflects the period’s emphasis on ornamental tilework for architectural interiors. Generously gifted by Mrs. Russell C. Veit, the piece invites viewers to appreciate the enduring appeal of such patterned surfaces in historical settings.
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...