Framed Bas Relief Appraisal

Framed Ceramic Bas-Relief Art Tile: Classical Female Profile

This item is a framed ceramic or pottery art tile featuring a bas-relief portrait of a classical figure, likely a goddess or muse, depicted in profile. The tile exhibits a rich, iridescent reddish-brown glaze that creates depth and highlights the sculptural qualities of the relief. The figure has flowing, curly hair that is styled in an elaborate updo, characteristic of classical antiquity. Her profile is strong, with defined features, and she appears to be draped in classical attire, indicated by the visible fabric folds and a hint of a clasp on her shoulder. The overall impression is one of elegance and classical beauty. The tile is set within a simple, dark-stained wooden frame, possibly oak, given its visible grain, which complements the warm tones of the ceramic. The frame appears to have a slightly distressed or aged finish, with some visible scuffs and wear marks, particularly on the edges and corners, suggesting age or handling. The construction of the frame seems to be mitered at the corners. There are no obvious glaring condition issues on the ceramic tile itself, such as cracks or chips, though the nature of the glaze might conceal minor imperfections. The piece evokes a late 19th to early 20th-century aesthetic, possibly Art Nouveau or Arts and Crafts, due to the use of ceramic in decorative arts and the classical revival themes popular during those periods. The quality of the relief work is fine, indicating skilled craftsmanship in its molding and glazing.