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-239
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Wall Facing, ca. 1725** This intriguing "Wall Facing" is a rare surviving example of early 18th-century tile, created by an unknown artist around 1725. Composed entirely of ceramic tiles, it served as a decorative wall covering, blending functionality with artistry. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's, it reflects the craftsmanship of an era when tiles were valued for their durability against fire and wear, often gracing fireplaces, kitchens, or entryways in grand homes. A generous gift from newspaper magnate and avid collector William Randolph Hearst, whose vast acquisitions e...
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...