Lustred plate with one of the Magi (Three Kings)

by-nc

Maker

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

Title

Lustred plate with one of the Magi (Three Kings)

Date of Production

circa 1520-1530

Medium

tin-glazed earthenware

Dimensions

Diameter: 41 cm
Depth: 9.5 cm

Object Number

O.1966.GP.74

Mode of Acquisition

Gambier-Parry, bequest, 1966

Credit

Courtauld Gallery, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

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'.

Inscriptions

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

Provenance

Acquired by Thomas Gambier Parry before about 1861

Exhibition History

The Gambier-Parry Collection, Courtauld Institute Galleries, London, 1967

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