Joseph Roelants, Tile with Allegorical Representation of Architecture and Sculptural Art, 1948, Ceramic

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.

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 .