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-f-5
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic "Wall Facing," crafted around 1725 from meticulously arranged tiles, offers a glimpse into early 18th-century decorative arts. As a wall facing—a paneled surface designed to adorn interiors—these tiles likely served both functional and aesthetic purposes, protecting walls from soot and moisture while elevating living spaces with vibrant patterns and colors. Produced during the Colonial era, such tilework reflects the growing taste for European-inspired opulence in American homes, where imported or locally made ceramics became symbols of prosperity and refinement. Though the art...
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...