Tile - mermaid - 1750-1800

The central scene depicts a mermaid above a stylized sea. Mermaids and other sea creatures (such as tritons or sea monsters) were common mythological motifs on tiles from this period.

Corner motifs: In the corners are the so-called "oxheads" (or a variant thereof). These are traditional decorative elements that helped to form a pattern when multiple tiles were placed next to each other on a wall.

Material: The tile is made of tin-glazed earthenware (faience). The characteristic blue color was obtained by using cobalt oxide.

Production place: Although often referred to as "Delft", such tiles were also produced in cities such as Rotterdam, Harlingen, Makkum and Amsterdam.