Italy, Urbino / c. 1575
Charger Depicting a Chariot Race
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Charger Depicting a Chariot Race as ceramic (Italy, Urbino · c. 1575).
The creatures along the rim of this plate are loosely based on the figures discovered on the walls of Roman ruins a century before.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) and credits Fontana Family (Italian).
The museum's collection notes: During the Renaissance, an understanding of classical antiquity was perceived to be a sign of social, intellectual, and economic distinction. Scenes from Greco-Roman mythology were prominently featured on maiolica, covering the surface in a style called istoriato (decorated with stories).
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtCharger Depicting a Chariot RaceOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.