Ceiling Tile, French, age unknown

The churches and cathedrals of the Gothic era (12th-16th Century) have suffered from immense disinterest and neglect. At one point in history, during the reign of Napoleon III, the French Gothic structures were threatened with complete extermination by Imperial order. A great number of fine churches were ravaged or completely demolished, with only a few artifacts, such as this tile, that survived destruction. This particular tile is made of embossed tin and a gold wash with Gothic features reminiscent of the great Rose windows of Notre Dame.