Tile 1896

Charles Volkmar made this landscape tile in the late nineteenth century, likely in the United States, out of earthenware with blue glaze. It's a scene that speaks to the late-19th century vogue for en-plein-air painting and a romantic appreciation of nature. The monochromatic palette of blues and whites evokes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, connecting the tile to the broader Arts and Crafts movement. This movement reacted to the industrial revolution through a revival of traditional craftsmanship, and a celebration of nature. Volkmar was a painter and potter, and his work reflects the growing interest in ceramics as a form of artistic expression during this period. You can see here how the tile, while functional, is also a vehicle for artistic expression. To understand this tile fully, historians might consult exhibition catalogs, period journals, and biographical information on Volkmar himself. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.