Tazza
Francesco Xanto Avelli (c.1487 - c.1542)
Category
Ceramics
Date
1534
Materials
ceramic
Measurements
29 mm (Height); 256 mm (Diameter)
Place of origin
Urbino
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1245536
Summary
Maiolica plate painted by Francesco Xanto Avelli showing Pyramus and Thisbe. The reverse is inscribed ' Vedi Piramo e Thisbe I sieme a lombra I Urbino.' It was made in Urbino in 1534. Possibly part of the same service as NT 1245529. Pyramus and Thisbe is the story of two forbidden lovers who communicate through a crack in the wall that separates their houses. They arrange to meet under a mulberry tree but Thisbe is frightened away by a lioness drinking from a nearby fountain. She drops her veil which the lioness then chews up. Pyramus arrives and assuming the lioness has killed his lover stabs himself with his own sword. Thisbe later finding her lover dead does the same.
Full description
Plate showing Pyramus and Thisbe, painted by Francesco Xanto Avelli or from his workshop.The reverse inscribed ' Vedi Piramo e Thisbe I sieme a lombra I Urbino.' 1534.
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. / Vedi Piramo.e. / Thisbe I Sieme a lombra / I Urbino.'
Makers and roles
Francesco Xanto Avelli (c.1487 - c.1542), artist