Artisan Framed Tile Historic Pictorial Wet Nursery European Women Russia? Portug

Description

Thank you for taking the time to consider this rather unusual, handpainted tile. There is no signature or date on the front but could have information on the back, as I did not want to remove the backing or the tile from the frame.

The scene is a historic pictorial of what looks to be, European women tending to a variety of children in a type of “wet nursery”. It is difficult to ascertain from what country or time period these women are from. In my research, I found sufficient information on wet nurses in all periods and countries, but nothing on women tending to a number of children in this way.

Regardless of the mystery and story behind it, this tile is wonderfully rich in color and detail. The picture is made up almost entirely of straight lines meticulously applied. The overall impression of the piece is nurturing and tranquil.

The frame is custom to the tile, and could have been created by the artist as well. It is guilded with its own free-form gesso pattern underneath. There are a few spots of flaking on the frame, but the tile itself is in excellent condition, with only fine and stable craquelure, and no cracks, chips, or previous repairs noted.

The tile measures approximately 7 1/2″ wide, by 6 1/2″ tall. The overall measurement is approximately 12 1/4″ wide, by 11 1/4 tall.

Please look at the photos for more detail.

Thanks for looking.

14379jas