Stove Tile with Saint John the Evangelist and Samson 1475 - 1500

This is a stove tile with Saint John the Evangelist and Samson, made at the Buda Castle Workshop. Tiles like this were created as part of a larger program of production, and were likely commissioned by a wealthy patron with ties to the royal court. During this time, stove tiles were not merely decorative, but also reflected the patron’s worldview and social-political aspirations. The choice of Saint John, who was believed to have drunk from a poisoned cup and survived, speaks to the themes of salvation, redemption, and perhaps even the divine right of kings. The inclusion of Samson, known for his incredible strength, may be intended to suggest the patron's power, moral virtue, and triumph over adversity. While these figures suggest traditional religious and historical narratives, these stove tiles offered an opportunity for patrons to inscribe their identities into the very fabric of their environment, shaping the stories told within their homes.