Basin for a Ewer
Cafaggiolo Ceramic Factory, The Vulcan Painter, c. 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.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Basin for a Ewer, c. 1520–1530
Date supported
1946
Medium and material
Polychromed tin-glazed earthenware (mailoica)
Dimensions
5.5 x 46.3 cm
Grant
1000
Total cost
2000
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