Exceptional Mid-century ceramic tile mural by Joseph Roelants for Céramiques d’Hemixem (Gilliot & Cie), 1948 — Monumental & Unique

Exceptional Mid-Century Ceramic Tile Mural by Joseph Roelants for Céramiques d’Hemixem (Gilliot & Cie), 1948 — Monumental & Unique

A rare opportunity to acquire a monumental ceramic tile artwork by Joseph Roelants (1881–1962), one of Belgium’s most celebrated ceramic designers of the 20th century. Created in 1948 for the prestigious manufacturer Céramiques d’Hemixem, Gilliot & Cie, this exceptional panel stands as a masterwork of Mid-Century Modern ceramic art, merging sculptural craft with architectural scale.

Artistic Significance

Titled “The Allegorical Representation of Architecture and Sculptural Art”, Roelants’ composition is a sophisticated visual narrative exploring the evolution of trade, craftsmanship, and artistic achievement. The mural weaves mythology, history, and industrial modernity into a single sweeping tableau:

The Black Horse — representing commerce — bridges ancient civilizations such as Greece, Phoenicia, and Egypt with the modern world of industry and mechanization.

The White Horse — symbolizing artistic ideals — celebrates the timeless legacy of architecture and sculpture, from classical temples, pyramids, and the sphinx to soaring modern skyscrapers.

Ships, cranes, and mechanized elements highlight the enduring relationship between cultural exchange and economic progress.

The panel’s powerful linearity, stylized movement, and richly modulated color palette are hallmarks of Roelants’ late-career mastery.

About Joseph Roelants

Joseph Roelants became head designer at Céramiques d’Hemixem in 1919 and quickly rose to international prominence. His large-scale panels — celebrated for their Art Deco, Cubist, and Modernist influences — were exhibited worldwide and installed in major public buildings, tunnels, and architectural projects. His works are now considered among the finest examples of Belgian decorative ceramics of the 20th century.

About Céramiques d’Hemixem, Gilliot & Cie

Founded in 1897, Gilliot & Cie evolved into one of Europe’s most important ceramic tile manufacturers, producing up to 250,000 tiles per day by 1913. The factory contributed to landmark architectural projects, exhibited at the world expositions of Antwerp (1930), Brussels (1935), and Paris (1937), and shaped the visual language of Belgian Art Deco and Mid-Century design.

Though production ended in 1978, the company’s legacy is preserved in the Gilliot & Cie Tile Museum, which houses over 9,000 historic tiles, including major commissions by Roelants.

Dimensions

W 187 × H 127 × D 9 cm

(73.62” × 50.01” × 3.54”)

Condition

Wear consistent with age and use; overall beautifully preserved for its scale and material.

Shipping

This unique artwork will be shipped worldwide in a custom-made wooden crate.

Shipping to the United States: €5,500 (crate included).

Import Note

Original artworks imported into the United States are typically exempt from U.S. import tariffs (buyers are encouraged to verify current regulations).

Color Disclaimer

Colors may vary slightly due to photographic lighting and monitor settings.