Stove Tile

functional; decorative

An allegory of fortitude or courage, one of the four virtues required for a virtuous life, the others being prudence, justice, and abundance. The young woman is shown with a broken pillar, an allusion to a story about the biblical figure Samson who destroyed the temple of Dagon (the god of his enemies, the Philistines) by pushing apart two main support pillars. Fortitude is sometimes also depicted with a lion representing grandeur and courage.

lead-glazed

Rectangular earthenware tile with relief scene inside green frame. A standing woman, in a brown and yellow dress, yellow and green headdress, with left arm resting on a broken pillar, right arm holding head of pillar. Yellow background.