Plate
Francesco Xanto Avelli (c.1487 - c.1542)
Category
Ceramics
Date
1534
Materials
ceramic
Measurements
22 mm (Height); 253 mm (Diameter)
Place of origin
Urbino
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1245529
Summary
Maiolica plate, painted by Francesco Xanto Avelli or his workshop, with the story of Hero and Leander. The story tells of a pair of forbidden lovers. Leander would swim across the Turkish strait of Hellespont every night in order to be with Hero. However, one night he drowned and Hero threw herself from the tower in grief. The reverse is inscribed '1534 Leandro i mare e Hero alla fenestra. I Urbino.' Made in Urbino, 1534. The coat of Arms is that of Bishop Giacomo Nordi who would have commissioned the piece.
Provenance
From the Henry Harris collection The bequest of Margaret (Anderson) McEwan, The Hon. Mrs Ronald - later Dame Margaret - Henry Fulke Greville, DBE (1863-1942) from probate records linked with the donation of the property to the National Trust in 1943. This item found on the record for Polesden Lacey Majolica stored in the basement, page 95.
Marks and inscriptions
Inscribed on reverse: .1534. / Leandro I mare e / Hero alla fenestra. / I Urbino.'
Makers and roles
Francesco Xanto Avelli (c.1487 - c.1542), artist