single light green majolica glazed portrait or figural tile designed and fabricated by providential tile works. the 6 x 6 inch figural portrait tile was salvaged from a chicago mansion demolished in the 1950's. the embossed figural tile contains allover crazing. great overall condition, with no traces of original mortar evident. the joseph kirkham, james robinson and c. lewis whitehead organized providential tile works in 1885. around this time they hired modeler isaac broome away from trent tile, their only potential local competitor in trenton, new jersey. like trent, providential produced dust-pressed, embossed tiles in mechanical, fly-wheel presses that were then colored with translucent glazes that accentuated the relief designs. principally made to adorn fireplace mantels, many tiles were produced in a contiguous series designed to surround a fireplace opening was the fashion in upscale homes in the late 19th century. when isaac broome left providential in 1890, scott callowhill took his place as head modeler. he had come from england where he had worked for a number of prestigious establishments including the royal worcester works and doultons. soon he was joined at providential by his two sons, hubert and ronald, both ceramic decorators. the management of the company remained fairly consistent during its 28 year history. its doors closed in 1913.