Manganese Majesty: A Pair of 18th Century Dutch Delft Horse Tile Pictures

This is a visually striking and historically significant pair of framed decorative tile pictures, composed of 18th-century Dutch Delftware. Each panel is formed from six individual tiles that join seamlessly to create a unified image.

The panels are painted in manganese violet"”a rich, purplish-brown pigment favored as an alternative to the ubiquitous cobalt blue in the late 18th century.

Subject: Each panel depicts a vigorous rearing horse, rendered with expressive, bold brushstrokes typical of the later Delft period. The two horses face each other across the pair, creating a dynamic, mirrored composition. They stand in a roughly textured foreground of muddy ground and waving grass, with small birds visible in the pale, open sky above.

Aesthetic: The artistic freedom and expressive painting style distinguish these tiles, which were often found in grander homes, adorning fireplace surrounds or kitchen dados. The tiles are currently set in simple, dark contemporary frames.

Origin: Netherlands (Rotterdam, a known center for tile production)
Date: circa 1780 (Late 18th Century)
Medium: Tin-glazed Earthenware (Delft Faience) painted in Manganese Violet

Dimensions (Each Framed Panel): 20 1/4 inches (High) x 15 1/8 inches (Wide) x 1 3/4 inches (Deep)
Dimensions (Each Tile): 5 1/4 inches square (13.34 cm square)

Historical Context

These tiles are products of the prolific Dutch Delftware industry, which, while centered in the town of Delft, also had major production centers in cities like Rotterdam and Haarlem. By the 18th century, the demand for Delft tiles was enormous, both domestically and for export.

The Manganese Palette
While Delft tiles are most famous for their blue-and-white motifs (imitating Chinese porcelain), the introduction and popularity of manganese violet was a defining trend of the late 17th and 18th centuries. The pigment, derived from manganese dioxide, created a striking, warm purplish-brown color that secured a distinct, fashionable place in the market.

Figural Tile Panels
Individual pictorial tiles, often featuring animals, ships, or children, were extremely common. However, large, multi-tile "pictures" or panels that create a cohesive scene, especially those depicting dynamic equestrian subjects like these rearing horses, were more complex and generally intended for the main decorative areas of a wealthy home, such as a formal hall or fireplace surround. The motif of animals, especially horses and cows, was highly valued, reflecting the pride and prosperity of the Dutch land and trade.

References

Pluis, Jan. The Dutch Tile: Designs and Names 1570–1930. Leiden: Primavera Pers, 1997. (A key reference for identifying tile subjects and dating based on style and color).

Aronson Antiquairs of Amsterdam. Research and publications confirming the rise of manganese decoration in Delft tiles, particularly in the late 18th century, with Rotterdam being a significant source.

Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), London. Collections of tin-glazed earthenware and Dutch tiles, which trace the shift in color and design throughout the 18th century.

(Ref: NY9986-plc/nmnr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: all good

Origin:
Netherlands

Creator:
Brand: Delft

Materials & Techniques:
Delft

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; all good