(back to top)

During the Renaissance, the town of Urbino was a major source for the Italian tin-glazed earthenware known as maiolica. Classical mythology frequently provided the inspiration for the Urbino ware's highly pictorial decoration, executed in brilliant colors. Despite their similar appearance, these plates are from different sets.

The words Quando forapito Ganimed ("When Ganymede was captured") are inscribed on the back of the plate on the left. It depicts the mortal Ganymede, being borne aloft by the eagle of Zeus to become the god's cupbearer. The unmarked plate on the right may depict a scene from the story of Apollo and his son Aesculapius. These plates were probably intended mainly for display

This stand, like much Siena ware, is decorated with cornucopias, winged putti (or cherub) heads and arabesques on the front.

A ewer originally accompanied this stand and was secured by the boss that protrudes from the center of the piece. The scented water that filled the ewer was used for hand washing between courses.