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16th Century Castelli Italian Maiolica Farnese alla turchina Dish

$12,000
£9,105.32
€10,411.12
CA$16,760.75
A$18,635.67
CHF 9,730.52
MX$226,841.47
NOK 124,157.17
SEK 116,329.34
DKK 77,700.13
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About the Item

An extraordinary azure maiolica dish in the Farnese service, made by Castelli d'Abuzzo between 1580 and 1589. In the peak of the High Renaissance, Cardinal Alessandro Farnese commissioned a dinner service from the Castelli maiolica manufactory in Abruzzo. Recorded in the inventories of the Palazzo Farnese in Rome in 1643 and 1653 as a credenza service of gold-decorated “Turchina” (or “Azure”) maiolica with the coat of arms of Cardinal Farnese, the unique blue-ground table-wares were intended to reflect the splendor of their owner and associate him with the grandeur of Ancient Rome. Cardinal Alessandro Farnese’s request for blue ground maiolica was a deliberate expression of wealth, power, and luxury. The most expensive paint pigment in the Renaissance was lapis lazuli, creating the rich and deep blue tones. Throughout the Renaissance it was mostly reserved for adornment of the most important figures, such as the gown of the Virgin Mary seen as can be seen in Giotto’s Ognissanti Maesta or Agnolo Gaddi’s Madonna and Child with Saints. Moreover, Alessandro’s affinity towards blue pigment might well have come from his interest and involvement in archaeological excavations in Rome, a culture significantly appreciative of rich blue color, such as 2nd century faience Theatrical Masks. By owning and displaying this set of uniquely deep blue dishes, the cardinal was able to associate himself with the most illustrious figures of history as well as with the grand history of the Roman Empire, which he actively sought not only to emulate, but also to surpass. Condition: Excellent. Very light wear to the original 16th-century gilding. Two areas of glaze wear on the underside of the rim. Dimensions: 7 in. Dm x 1 in. H (17.8 cm Dm x 2.8 cm H) References: Ashmolean Musuem, WA1888.CDEF.C506 Museo di Capodimonte, AM 10426-10497 Palazzo Madama, Turin, 3110/C and 3111/C Pinacoteca di Varallo Museo Civici di Palazzo Farnese, Piacenza Museo dell’Arte Ceramica, Piazza San Tommaso.
  • Creator:
    Castelli (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 7 in (17.78 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1580-1589
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very light wear to the original 16th-century gilding. Two areas of glaze wear on the underside of the rim.
  • Seller Location:
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 2020.28.11stDibs: LU5643222723662

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