Devotional plaque with The Madonna and Child with Donors

Unlike many maiolica objects, this plaque has no function beyond displaying a painted image to the viewer. It retains the sense of domesticity associated with Renaissance maiolica vessels and tableware, but was made to encourage religious devotion. . The small format and tightly cropped view of the Virgin and Child create an intimate relationship with the viewer, and the small kneeling donors at lower left present a model for worship in the home. The plaque imitates fifteenth-century panel painting and relief sculpture in both subject and form and even includes an integral frame.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Devotional plaque with The Madonna and Child with Donors
  • Date: ca. 1490–1500
  • Culture: Italian, perhaps Emilia-Romagna (possibly Faenza) or the Marche
  • Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 17 1/4 × 13 1/4 × 1 3/4 in. (43.8 × 33.7 × 4.4 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1947
  • Object Number: 47.10
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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