Tile
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Tin-glazed earthenware
Dimensions
5 × 5 in. (12.7 × 12.7 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Pottery
Culture
Dutch
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of W. R. Valentiner, 1908
Accession Number
08.196.100
Art Historical Context
This charming 18th-century Dutch, crafted from tin-glazed earthen, exemplifies the exquisite ceramics produced in the Netherlands during the height of Delftware manufacturing. Measuring a modest 5 × 5 inches, its square format was ideal for creating expansive wall panels or fireplace surrounds in prosperous homes. The tin-glaze technique—where a tin oxide coating creates an opaque white surface for vibrant painted designs before a final firing—allowed artisans to mimic the luxury of Chinese porcelain at a more accessible price, fueling widespread popularity across Europe. In Dutch culture, su...