About this piece
back to topA late 18th century antique Liverpool Delftware tile depicting a classical figure with staff raised beside smaller figure. The subject is believed to be a portrait of the Greek God Dionysus or Bacchus after an etching from the 1721-22 publication ‘Illustrations de L’Antiquité Expliquée’ (Antiquity Explained, and Represented in Sculptures) by Bernard de Montfaucon.
This is one of three similar reclaimed 5-inch tiles we are selling detailed with neoclassical subjects in a coordinating style.
Dating to circa 1775-1780, this antique tile has stood the test of time, the neoclassical figure surrounded by a green glazed oval before a white glazed background. An excellent collector’s item!
Liverpool Delft
During the 18th century, Liverpool was one of the main centres for producing English delftware – tiles in particular. One famous name of the period included Sadler and Green whose intricate transfer-printed, fast-to-manufacture Liverpool tiles were highly regarded in national and international ceramics circles.