Image

RISDM 46-391.jpg
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Probably Castel Durante

Bella Donna Plate, ca. 1535-1540

Now On View

Description

Maker

Title

Bella Donna Plate

Year

ca. 1535-1540

Medium

Earthenware with tin glaze and enamels

Materials/Techniques

Materials

Dimensions

Diameter: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

On a scroll:MANSV/ETA (gentleness)

Type

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Jesse H. Metcalf

Object Number

46.391

About

Dishes featuring idealized portraits of beautiful women (belle donne) were given by suitors to compliment the young women they courted. In this bowl, a ribbon describes the lady’s character as gentle (mansueta).

On a scroll:MANSV/ETA (gentleness)

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Exhibition History

Exhibition History

European Galleries

This plate is distinguished by its rich decoration and depiction of beautiful women (belle donne). During the Renaissance, bella donna plates like this played a significant role in Italian courtship practices. Given as engagement gifts to remind the betrothed of her duties, they featured representations of beauty and virtue, and included inscriptions referring to the woman’s character. The banner on the plate reads mansueta (“gentle” in Latin).

Use

The images on this website can enable discovery and collaboration and support new scholarship, and we encourage their use. This object is in the public domain (CC0 1.0). This object is Bella Donna Plate with the accession number of 46.391. To request a higher resolution file, please submit an online request.