Tile from the 17th century, Lombardy, very rare

Tempera painting on wood.

Depicting an angel.

Authentic wall or ceiling tile from early 17th century, Lombardy, painted in tempera with a painted box. Recently cleaned, polished and conservatively restored, first original patina.

Dimensions: 46 x 43 cm

Material:

Between the 15th and 16th centuries, especially in Lombardy and Piedmont, it became fashionable to decorate the ceilings of noble residences and public buildings with tiles consisting of painted wooden panels: the 'ceiling panels' or 'formelle', which were arranged at an angle along the beams, alternating with the corbels and joists that supported the ceilings. Their manufacturing was particularly flourishing and refined in the towns of Crema and Cremona. The small painted panels displayed geometric and floral motifs, emblems, coats of arms, real or imaginary animals, putti with musical instruments, signs of the zodiac, biblical or literary scenes, historical and ancient mythological characters, allegorical figures and crafts.

Preserved in good condition, with flaws and marks typical of its age.