Tile - Ignoto - 1900-1910

Hand-painted ceramic maiolica rectangular tile, early 20th century, characterized by a crackle finish (craquelé) spread across the entire surface depicting Saint Anthony of Padua in the foreground as he walks barefoot through a body of water. He wears the traditional Franciscan habit consisting of a gray tunic and a dark brown mantle with a hood. In his left hand he holds up a key. Supported by the Saint's right arm, the Child Jesus wears a blue tunic and is depicted with his gaze turned toward the observer. The scene unfolds in a natural setting, among rocky riverbanks and green, rolling hills with low shrubs. On the left side a tall tree stands out. The sky ranges from blue tones to yellow and golden hues toward the horizon line. Bottom left, on the edge of the exposed land, there is the artist’s monogram or signature (a pair of letters “AA” or a similar symbol). Size: 36.8 x 30.2 x 2.1 cm in thickness.