Open IIIF manifest What is IIIF IIIF viewers

Lustred plate with one of the Magi (Three Kings)

Maker

(ceramicist)

Probably
Nicola Francioli, known as Co, Deruta (Italy) (painter)
1513-1565 (active)

Title

Date of Production

circa 1520-1530

Medium

tin-glazed earthenware

Dimensions

Diameter: 41 cm
Depth: 9.5 cm

Accession Number

O.1966.GP.74

Mode of Acquisition

Gambier Parry, bequest, 1966

Credit

The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

On display

Keywords

Label Text

Lustred ceramics were a must-have luxury item of the fashionable Renaissance home. Lustre is made when a glazed and fired ceramic is painted with metal oxide pigments and fired again, at low temperature with restricted air supply. This process results in a metallic film that shimmers beautifully in candlelight. The technique of lustre originated in Iraq and Egypt and was brought to Spain by Arab potters in the 12th century. Around 1500, Italy developed its own specialist centres of lustred pottery in Deruta and Gubbio, two small towns in the central region of Umbria.

Notes

The painter of the dish was certainly one of the best pottery painters working in Deruta. Although his identity is not known for certain, it was probably Nicola Francioli, known as 'Co'.

Provenance

Acquired by Thomas Gambier Parry before about 1861

Exhibition History

The Gambier-Parry Collection, The Courtauld Institute of Art, London

Inscriptions

Inscription: M/AGI.VE/NERUNT/ADORAVE/RUT.DNs

Information on this object may be incomplete and will be updated as research progresses. We are particularly committed to addressing any discriminatory or offensive language and ideas that might be present in our records. To help improve this record, and to enquire about images of The Courtauld Gallery Collection, please email gallery.collectionsonline@courtauld.ac.uk. Find out more about using and licensing our images.

____________________________

Buy a print from our collection