From the Series title: Twelve Months of the Year representing seventeenth century engravings by Guiseppe Maria Mitelli (1634-1718).

16 x 12 framed

This auction for August Agosto

Translation:

“In wine and melon, a greedy belly enjoys marrying Pomona; Bacchus often gives birth to another creation of Vulcan’s son.”

It’s an artist reproduction of an engraving in black and brown hand painted Italian tile . Vtg Framed Italian Portrait Art Tile Signed Billie ?

Seasons Pottery Ceramic

Fine hand-painted Italian Ceramic Tiles. Artist signed although I can’t make out the name clearly . This tile features Illustrated proverbs by Mitelli (18th century)

Each illustration represents a proverb, and the text and explanation of the proverb is at the bottom of the illustration (Italian) -this is from a 18th century book, so the archaic language is a bit different than the modern standard Italian language I translated here. Mitelli is an artist of the Baroque age and was active in the second half of the 17th century. His subjects are extremely diverse and amusing.

The picture is part of a series of twelve engravings dedicated to the Months by Mitelli 1691. The series still enjoys considerable success as demonstrated by the numerous reprints in other art forms- this is the only example I can find that was made into a ceramic Italian tile.

Each month, indicated in the center, is accompanied by quatrains of commentary in the margin of the sheet.

I have several others representing different months of the year . All one of a kind- I can not find others on the internet . Was told they were custom made in Italy.

Great present for someone for their birthday !

Please see store for the other Italian Decorative Tiles

Each comes with a custom made frame with wall hook Latina