Tile

Isaac Broome, 1884

MEDIUMEarthenware
DIMENSIONS12 5/8 x 18 5/8 in. (32.1 x 47.3 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe American Wing
CULTUREAmerican
CREDIT LINEGift of Robert A. Ellison Jr., 2018

Stop and observe this large earthenware tile. It captures a tender, quiet moment of a mother, child, and dog all sleeping peacefully, offering a glimpse into Victorian domestic sentiment.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This earthenware tile, almost two feet wide, presents a cozy domestic scene, inviting us to peer into a quiet moment. A woman, seemingly a mother, is nestled in a chair, her head gently resting against a cushion, eyes closed in slumber. At her feet, a child also sleeps, perhaps having drifted off during play or a story. A loyal dog, curled up beside them, completes this picture of peaceful repose. The muted tones and soft modeling of the earthenware give the figures a sculptural quality, enhancing the sense of a tender, intimate space. Created in 1884, this tile reflects a Victorian appreciation for sentimental genre scenes, transforming an everyday moment into a work of art intended for the home.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The subtle texture of the earthenware, visible across the surface.

2

The dog's contented posture, mirroring the sleeping figures.

3

The way the woman's head leans against the patterned cushion.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop and observe this large earthenware tile. It captures a tender, quiet moment of a mother, child, and dog all sleeping peacefully, offering a glimpse into V…

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THE ARTIST
Isaac Broome 1836–1922 · United States

Canadian-born sculptor who shaped America's Centennial with patriotic porcelain busts and decorative reliefs.

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