Tile Medallion
SculptorSculpted by
Karl Gerhardt
(American, 1853 - 1940)
MakerPossibly made by
Goodwin Bros.
(American, founded 1870)
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumCast red earthenware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth): 8 1/2 x 9 1/8in. (21.6 x 23.2cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionSquare red earthenware, or terra cotta, tile that is unglazed. The tile has two relief busts of men, both facing right; the decoration on the tile was formed by a sculptor who shaped and incised the clay by hand. The upper left bust, showing a man with a moustache and curly hair, is labeled "Mark/ TwaiN" on the left edge of the tile. The lower right bust, showing a bearded man, is labeled "Geo/ W/ CAble" on the right edge of the file. Both busts are raised over a circular, textured background with incised horizontal lines. Between the two busts are a decorative, raised, feather, an ink pen, and a ribbon. Below the busts, along the bottom edge of the tile, is the incised artist's name, "Karl/ Gerhardt/ fecit".
There is slight wear to the highest relief portions of the tile, at Twain's head, Cable's beard, and the raised feather between. There is a small chip on the right edge of the tile.
There is slight wear to the highest relief portions of the tile, at Twain's head, Cable's beard, and the raised feather between. There is a small chip on the right edge of the tile.
Object number1982.70.3
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