A coppa of a particularly small size, painted in an attractive naive fashion with the portrait of a young woman. Behind her, on a curled scroll, she is named ‘Camilla Bella’ within figure of eight knots, a symbol of everlasting love. This type of portrait dish is often referred to as a Bella Donna dish.
Many Bella Donna dishes were made in Castel Durante during the early 16th century but were also produced more widely and continued to be made throughout the rest of the century. This example would have been made near the middle of the century.
Bronzino, Portrait of Eleanor of Toledo and her son Giovanni de’ Medici, Circa 1545, The Uffizi Gallery
The brocade on her bodice and cap are in the style of the most elaborate and luxurious textiles that are seen in portraits such as those of Bronzino.
Whereas there are many named painters of Istoriato maiolica there has not been as much progress made to identify the painters of these portrait dishes, although there are clearly many hands of every quality, and it would be surprising if the named painters of Istoriato maiolica did not turn their hands to these portrait dishes as well.
Condition:
Chips to rim losses to glaze to the reverse
Price: £11,000
