To be more specific, it could also be cupid and psyche as infants, although it appears there are quite a few characters on the piece. The cupid and psyche motif occurs on mid-nineteenth century (ca. 1840-1850)Rockingham. David is correct -- fireplace tiles are not common until the later Victorian era, and of course in the first several decades of the 20th century. Therefore, if the piece is indeed early to mid-nineteenth century, I suspect it is something other than a fireplace tile.
Bob Genheimer
George Rieveschl Curator of Archaeology
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
513-455-7161
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of David
Babson
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 2:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Identification of Ceramic Piece
Afraid I was taken in by the reference to a "biblical" scene. I
agree--the motif is more likely Venus and Cupid, a different
mythological scheme altogether. In any case, my thought would be that
such tiles were more common in early 20th century houses than in
mid-19th century structures, though this might not be the case if the
house was a public or public-use building (such as a tavern) rather than
a dwelling.
D. Babson.
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Barbara Hickman
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 10:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Identification of Ceramic Piece
Perhaps it's my failing eyesight, but I would have guessed Venus and
Cupid rather than Adam and Eve. BJH
Barbara J Hickman, Staff Archeologist
Archeological Studies Program
Environmental Affairs Division
Texas Department of Transportation
125 East 11th Street
Austin TX 78701
Telephone: 512.416.2637
Fax: 512.416.2643
>>> David Babson <[log in to unmask]> 27 April, 2007 4:18 PM >>>
Might be part of a decorative tile for a house or a fireplace surround,
as well as a religious item; the motif (Eve and the Apple?) appears to
be biblical. Use as a decorative element in a house in Ohio would,
however, probably be more likely in the Craftsman era, early 20th
century, rather than the mid-19th century.
D. Babson.
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Patrick Tucker
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 11:11 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Identification of Ceramic Piece
Can anyone identify the ceramic piece pictured at the below website? It
is
the first object (exterior and interior sides) in the photo album of
artifacts from a domestic, dwelling residence (house) which dates A.D.
1810-1850 in northwest Ohio.
The ceramic body is an unglazed, hard paste white earthenware. It is not
refined white earthenware, stoneware or porcelain. It is possibly part
of a
plaque containing a religious or biblical scene of some sort.
<http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/>
http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/
Regards,
Pat Tucker
French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan
Detroit
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