18th Century Antique Delft Tile Tableau: Six Hand-Painted Blue and White Tiles

This Tableau is unusual in that each tile is a fine example of Delft color and design, while, at the same time, their painted elements are composed in such a way that, together, they make up one overall narrative scene. The individual scenes merge and carry the eye towards the next scene. The unified grouping is an artwork in and of itself.

In color and design the Tableau reflects characteristics of 17th/18th century Delft ceramic work: strong shades of blue on white enameled ground and attention to detail. Note the the expressive trees (even the leaves are dancing), barking dogs, presentation of food to traveling shepherds, period clothing, the tufts of grass and hints of buildings or other structures in the background. All these features convey a bucolic, rural and somewhat romantic scene. Also typical is the use of a decorative motif in the tiles’ corners, in this case either a flower or a fly.

Aside from the overall grouping constituting a single scene, there are several unusual design features. One is the plain white band at the bottom of each tile; the second is the romance that seems to be playing out in one tile, in which a shepherd is rushing to embrace a girl hiding behind a tree. This scene, or the overall tableau, could be based on theatrical or musical pieces known to contemporary audiences.

The backing of the Tableau is also unusual. Evidently the painted tiles were glued onto a plaster base which, in turn, was attached to a solid backing board. This stabilizes the tiles and keeps them in the sequence desired, however, it prevents examination of the back of the tiles. There are no marks or labels on the rear board.

Provenance: The Tableau belonged to an interior and furniture designer who traveled the world, often returned with antique items for her own collection in New York City. This is one of several Delft Tile Tableau that she bought in Holland in the 1970’s. She never framed this set.

Dimensions: The Tableau is 15 ¼ inches x 10 ¼ inches. Each title is square, just a fraction over 5 inches in both height and width.