PANEL OF SPANISH-MOORISH TILES
Modern Age
PANEL OF SPANISH-MOORISH TILES
Polychrome glazed ceramic.
Tile dimensions: 13x13 cm. Thickness: 2.8 cm.
Complete panel. Length: 53 cm. Height: 40 cm.
Modern Age. 16th century.
Origin
Iglesia de San Mateo. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
These tiles were made by the “cuenca o arista” (relief or stencil) technique, which consists of making impressions on fresh clay from a negative mould, thus creating fine “aristas” or raised profiles that prevent the different coloured glazes from mixing. Covering floors, ceilings and skirting boards with tiles acted as insulation, as well as provided buildings with an appearance of luxury and ostentation. The aesthetic value of these panels is based on the repetition of motifs, creating a tapestry effect. These tiles may have formed part of the steps to the church's larger altar. Further to this, the Archivo de Protocolos Notariales in Seville (Notarial Protocol Archives) has recorded a work order contract between the iglesia de San Mateo and Diego Pulido dated 1529. A batch of “azulejos de lazos” (ribbon tiles) is mentioned in this - which was how this type of work was known.
Bibliography
- Unknown
