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Dish with arms of the Visconti family

ca. 1480–1500
Not on view
Here, a dragon-headed creature devours a somewhat complacent-looking boy. This startling image, known as the biscione (big serpent), was a heraldic symbol of the ruling family of the duchy of Milan. Filling much of the dish’s central well, it is surrounded by an irregular border of peacock feathers. Two holes in the foot ring allowed the dish to be suspended on the wall, where it would be viewed as a bold statement of Milanese allegiance.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dish with arms of the Visconti family
  • Date: ca. 1480–1500
  • Culture: Italian, probably Deruta
  • Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 3 5/16 × 15 in. (8.4 × 38.1 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1946
  • Object Number: 46.85.16
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head, Steel, copper, gold, glass, pigment, textile, Italian
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Armorial dish: Supper at the House of Simon the Pharisee
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