Object Image

Unknown sitter ('Floor tile with an image of a king or queen')

Unknown artist

Tiles such as this were common in churches and high status houses from the thirteenth century to the middle of the sixteenth century. They are generic representations of monarchy rather than depictions of specific kings or queens. Such images became less common with the emergence of oil painting, and the rise in the representation of individuals, in the 1500s.

14th century

Earthenware floor tile

115.0 x 113.0 mm

NPG D48194

Image and text © National Portrait Gallery, 2022