An Antwerp maiolica part tile panel, Franchois Frans workshop, ca. 1550

Dim.: 13 x 13 x 1,5 cm (each tile)

Attributed to the "Den Salm" workshop of Franchois Frans. Franchois Frans married the widow of famous Antwerp maiolica potter Guido Andries.

This tile mural, probably meant as a wall decoration, is comparable in style, execution and subject, to those in Villa Viçosa, Portugal, which bear the initials "FIAB" and are dated 1558.
Another comparable piece is the large jug depicting the story of Tobias, bearing the same initials and dated 1562, in the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels. The basket worn by one of Lot's daughters is nearly identical to one shown on the jug.

The design is taken from an engraving by Cornelis Bos after Maarten van Heemskerck (link).

We would like to thank art historian Piet Swimberghe for helping us with the description of this lot.

Condition:
- One of the tiles with a reglued break. Otherwise with typical superficial rim chips, the graze slightly degraded due to being under the ground.