Castel Durante

Bella Donna Plate
Now On View

Maker

Probably Castel Durante (Italian)

Title

Bella Donna Plate

Year

ca. 1535-1540

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

tin-glazed earthenware, majolica

Dimensions

Diameter: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

On a scroll:MANSV/ETA (gentleness)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Jesse H. Metcalf

Object Number

46.391

Type

Exhibition History

European Galleries
Sep 02, 2017

Label copy

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).

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Probably Castel Durante (Italian)
Bella Donna Plate, ca. 1535-1540
Earthenware with tin glaze and enamels
Diameter: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 inches)
Gift of Mrs. Jesse H. Metcalf 46.391

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