Basin for a Ewer

attributed to The Vulcan Painter

Fitzwilliam Museum

circa 1520 - 1530

This magnificent dish was made at Caffaggiolo (Medici workshop near Florence). The central medallion depicts a landscape in which a fox attempts to capture a shield from the possession of a bear, above which we can read 'E COSI VA CHE TROPO VOLLE', meaning this is what happens to him who wants too much. A depiction of what appears to be the Battle between the Lapiths and Centaurs surrounds the centre. The rim is decorated with grotesques and eight oval medallions showing allegoric scenes from the Bible and Roman history.

• Artists Include:
• Cafaggiolo Ceramic Factory

• Medium: polychromed tin-glazed earthenware (mailoica)
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 46.3cm
• Art Fund Grant: £1000 ( Total: £2,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1946
• Vendor: Coll Mrs Leopold de Rothschild

Provenance

Possibly a gift to Felice della Rovere, the wife of Gian G Orsini; collection of Mrs Leopold de Rothschild.

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