DELFT - ANIMALS
Animal tiles have always been amongst the most favoured of delft tiles. This collection of traditional hand-painted tiles includes both domestic and exotic creatures and is very representative of those used in the seventeenth century. We have made a point of capturing the spontaneity of brushwork developed by early tile painters and these little animal studies are miniature paintings, showing the same vivacity achieved by seventeenth century tile painters. We have more animals available in our archives.
Cheetah
Animals have always been a source for decoration on the objects man uses and the places in which he lives. From cave paintings to Roman frescos, Greek amphora to William de Morgan tiles, animals have provided the perfect inspiration to artists and craftsmen alike.
Some of the most highly prized delft tiles feature animals of various kinds, both exotic and native. Blue and white tiles were made showing animals that tile painters would have seen around them and also exotic creatures that they would have seen in illustrations, such as elephants, lions, panthers and camels.
Many of the earliest delft tiles were painted in polychrome colours with very ornate corners so that when the tiles were fitted together, the corners made a highly decorative framework that enhanced the animal paintings within. Later animal tiles, painted in blue and white, brought tile painting to its zenith in both Holland and England. Beautiful little animal studies were made, showing a delicacy and vivacity of painting that had not been achieved in earlier tiles.
Our Animals collection has both exotic and native creatures represented. They are based on seventeenth century examples and we have made a point of capturing the spontaneity of brushwork shown by these early tile painters. Our tile decoration is the closest you will get to the original early examples. Should you wish to suggest animals other than those in our collection, we will be happy to help.