Tegel uit het kasteel van Breda c. 1500 - 1550

This tile, of unknown date, originates from the castle of Breda and was crafted by an anonymous artisan. Its circular form immediately draws the eye, with a pale, neutral ground that serves as a canvas for a simple yet evocative design. At the tile’s center, we see concentric circles of yellow, orange, and blue, reminiscent of a stylized sun. Radiating outwards are teardrop shapes of green, which could suggest leaves or petals. The composition cleverly balances symmetry with slight variations in the shapes and spacing of the surrounding green motifs. The rough texture and imperfect edges of the tile’s surface introduce an element of the vernacular. The tile exists as both a functional object and a decorative element. Its circular design can be seen as an early form of radial symmetry, a formal device found across cultures to convey balance and harmony. The symbolic interplay of the 'sun' and 'leaf' motifs creates a visual discourse that invites ongoing interpretation.