c. 1645-1655
Dish (Crespina) with Grotesques and Cherub
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The center of this lobed dish depicts a cherub or cupid holding an orb in his right hand and pointing to heaven with his left. Surrounding him are eight winged grotesques (fantastic animals) and leafy, floral vines. This type of decoration has been referred to as “Grotesques a la Patanazzi” because of its similarity to designs found on maiolica earthenware made in Urbino, Italy, around 1515 by the Patanazzi family. The “grotesque” style grew out of the discovery in the 1480s of ancient Roman ruins, or “grottoes,” with ceiling frescoes and stucco ornament featuring fanciful motifs of interlaced garlands and imaginary creatures.
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