Items Similar to The Allegorical Representation of Architecture and Sculptural Art 1948
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
The Allegorical Representation of Architecture and Sculptural Art 1948
About the Item
Unique Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Tile Art by Joseph Roelants for Gilliot & Cie, 1948
This remarkable ceramic tile artwork by Joseph Roelants is a masterpiece of Mid-Century Modern design, produced in 1948 by Gilliot & Cie, a renowned ceramic manufacturer. The piece, titled “The Allegorical Representation of Architecture and Sculptural Art,” vividly illustrates the evolution of trade and art across time, blending mythology, history, and innovation.
The central theme revolves around two horses inspired by Plato’s philosophy:
The Black Horse symbolizes trade, spanning from the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians, and Egyptians (depicted on the left) to the modern era (shown on the right).
The White Horse embodies artistic ideals, highlighting architecture on the left (Greek temples, Egyptian pyramids, and the sphinx) and sculpture on the right (modern skyscrapers).
Additional elements, like ships and cranes, represent the enduring relationship between trade and cultural exchange.
Joseph Roelants (1881–1962) became head designer at Gilliot & Cie in 1919 and achieved worldwide acclaim for his work. This exceptional piece is part of his celebrated legacy. Though Gilliot & Cie ceased operations in 1977, the Gilliot & Roelants Tile Museum was established in 1988 to honor this rich heritage.
W 187 x H 127 x D 9 cm (73.62” x 50.01” x 3.54”).
Wear consistent with age and use.
Colors may vary slightly due to photographic lighting or monitor settings.
This one-of-a-kind artwork will be securely shipped worldwide in a custom-made wooden crate. Shipping cost to the US, including the crate, is €5500.
Gilliot & Cie was a prominent Belgian ceramic tile manufacturer based in Hemiksem. Founded in 1897 by Georges Gilliot and John Aulit, the company initially produced enameling products and launched its first ceramic tiles in 1898. By 1904, the company had become S.A. Grès Emaillés d’Hemixem, producing high-quality wall and floor tiles. It rapidly grew, reaching a production of 250,000 tiles per day by 1913 and employing about 1,000 workers .
The company played a key role in the European ceramic industry during the interwar period, contributing to notable projects such as the Waasland Tunnel in Antwerp and showcasing their tiles at world expositions in Antwerp (1930), Brussels (1935), and Paris (1937). Joseph Charles Roelants, a designer at the factory, created iconic decorative panels in styles like Art Deco and Cubism, which gained international recognition .
Post-World War II, Gilliot & Cie struggled financially and merged with another ceramics company in 1957. In 1968, the Dutch company Koninklijke Sphinx became the majority shareholder, and by 1978, Gilliot & Cie ceased production. Many of the company’s tiles were preserved and are now displayed in the Gilliot & Roelants Tile Museum, located in Saint Bernard’s Abbey in Hemiksem. The museum houses over 9,000 tiles, including private donations and rare pieces from the factory .
For more information, you can visit the Gilliot & Roelants Tile Museum website .
- Creator:Jospeh Roelants (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 50.01 in (127 cm)Width: 73.63 in (187 cm)Depth: 3.55 in (9 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1948
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Weesp, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1464242522822
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1996
1stDibs seller since 2015
368 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Weesp, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSculptural Contemporary Wooden Center or Art Piece by Rik Davids 2001
Located in Weesp, NL
Large Handcrafted Wooden Art Bowl by Rik Davids, Netherlands, 2001
A striking and unique handcrafted wooden bowl by Dutch artist Rik Davids, created in 2001. Measuring an impressive...
Category
Early 2000s Dutch Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Limited Edition Pop Art Liquid 500 Euro
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the masterpiece that blends art, luxury, and exclusivity like never before – the limited edition Pop Art Liquid 500 Euro by the ren...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
Pop Art Limited Edition USA Old Liquid 100 Dollar
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing a true masterpiece for art collectors and enthusiasts alike - the limited signed edition, #9 of 12, USA Old Liquid 100 Dollar by Ad Van Hasselt...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
1985 Think Big!, Huge Safety Pin
By Think Big
Located in Weesp, NL
Huge safety pin 1985 Think Big! This rare Pop Art piece is in great condition. No cracks or damage.
Think Big! was a retail store originally established in New York City in 1979. It...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel
Unique Big Aluminium 1970 Wall Sculpture by Salvatore Messina
Located in Weesp, NL
One of a kind aluminium wall sculpture by Salvatore Messina 1970. This big piece measures H. 110 x W.200 x D.4.5 cm.
The sculpture will be shipped ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
XXL Early 20th Century Italian Mold
Located in Weesp, NL
Italian early 20th century huge mold
Beautiful big wooden sculpture made in Italy in the beginning of the 1900s.
Measurements: D 68 x D 21 cm.
Mold will be shipped abroad in a cus...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
You May Also Like
"Agriculture, " Bronze, Allegorical Art Deco Sculptural Relief Celebrating Labor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Classic example of WPA-era sculpture celebrating the worker, this beautiful bronze bas relief depicts a shirtless laborer in the fields, with a scythe in one hand and a sheaf of wh...
Category
Vintage 1930s Hungarian Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Sculptural Artwork "Architecture of my Dream" , Wabi Sabi by Spinzi
By Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
Wall-Mounted Artwork - Decorative Panel - Architectural Artwork - Contemporary Concrete Sculpture
Contemporary artwork By Spinzi , mad...
Category
2010s Italian Brutalist Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Cement
$4,038 Sale Price
20% Off
Allegorical Pair of Faience de Rouen Busts Depicting Summer and Fall
By Edmé Samson
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Two Faience de Rouen busts on plinths spuriously inscribed "Fait a Rouen 1647" and blue fleur-de-lys marks after original models made in Circa 1730 by...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Revival Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Art Deco Architectural Diana the Huntress Plaster Medallion / Plaque
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco Architectural Diana the Huntress Plaster Medallion / Plaque
Attributed to the American G.R. Fixtures Co., of Grand Rapids Mi, (1915-1940)
...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
$3,040 Sale Price
20% Off
"Samson and the Lion, " Large, Rare Art Deco Sculptural Panel with Tile Mosaic
By Valentin Shabaeff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A tour de force example of Art Deco wall sculpture, this depiction of Samson slaying the lion was made by Valentin Shabaeff, a Russian-Canadian artist who settled in Montreal. Shabae...
Category
Vintage 1930s Canadian Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
"Hercules and the Nemean Lion" Dramatic Art Deco Sculptural Panel with Nude Male
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This unique panel, depicting a nude Hercules figure with sword in hand, fending off the snarling Nemean lion, represents the first of his famous Twelve Labors. The strong, stylized f...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
