Nicolò da Urbino (probably Nicola di Bagriele Sbarage) (Italian, active from ca. 1520, died 1537/38)
Majolica; Diam. 10 7/8 in. (27.5 cm)
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975 (1975.1.1019)
This plate is one of twenty-one surviving pieces of the most famous and elaborate maiolica service of the Renaissance, painted for Isabella d'Este, marchioness of Mantua, by Nicolò da Urbino, the most celebrated maiolica painter of his generation. The center of this dish shows Isabella's coat of arms surrounded by three of her personal emblems: a musical scroll, a candelabrum with one lit candle, and a bunch of lottery tickets. On the rim is a portrayal of the musical contest between Apollo and Pan judged by King Midas, a subject recounted in Ovid's Metamorphoses. The subtle draftsmanship, coloring, and delicate execution of the expansive landscape setting reveal the artist's consummate skill. Another piece from this service is also in the Robert Lehman Collection.
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Related Index Terms
Artist
- • Nicolo da Urbino (probably Nicola di Bagriele Sbarage) (Italian, active from ca. 1520, died 1537/38)
Geography/Place
- • Ceramic, organized by culture, Europe
- • Ceramic, organized by culture, Europe, Italian Peninsula
- • Vessel, organized by culture, Europe
- • Vessel, organized by culture, Europe, Italian Peninsula
Material and Technique
- • Ceramic
- • Ceramic, Maiolica/Majolica
- • Ceramic, Maiolica/Majolica, Europe
- • Vessel, Shallow (Platter, Plate, Basin, Bowl)
- • Vessel, Shallow, Europe
Subject Matter/Theme
- • Figure, Deity
- • Figure, Deity, Greek and Roman
- • Figure, Deity, Greek and Roman, Apollo
- • Figure, Mythological
- • Figure, Mythological, Europe
- • Figure, Mythological, Europe, Other
- • Heraldry
- • Literature and Literary Connections
- • Literature and Literary Connections, Greek Poetry, Ovid: Metamorphoses
