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-c-4
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Wall Facing, ca. 1725** This intriguing "Wall Facing" from around 1725 showcases early 18th-century tile, a popular medium for adorning interiors in Colonial American and European homes. Classified as tiles, these pieces likely formed a decorative panel or surround, perhaps for fireplaces or walls, adding both beauty and practicality to living spaces. Though the exact medium and artist remain unknown, the craftsmanship reflects the era's blend of functionality and ornamentation, where tiles protected surfaces while displaying vibrant motifs inspired by daily life, nature, or biblical scenes...
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...