Tile
Unknown Artist
1650–80
Medium
Tin-glazed earthenware
Dimensions
5 x 5 in. (12.7 x 12.7 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Pottery
Culture
probably Dutch, Harlingen
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of W. R. Valentiner, 1908
Accession Number
08.196.73
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming 5 x 5-inch square tile, crafted from tin-glazed earthenware around 1650–80, hails from the Dutch town of Harlingen, a hub of ceramic production during the Netherlands' Golden Age. Likely depicting men and ships—a nod to the era's seafaring dominance—the tile captures everyday maritime life with vivid blue-and-white imagery typical of Dutch Delftware. The tin glaze, a technique borrowed from Italian maiolica but perfected by Dutch artisans, created a smooth, shiny surface ideal for bold designs and waterproofing, making these tiles perfect for walls, fireplaces, and interiors. Pr...