Trilobed Footed Basin
Artist: Orazio Fontana or his Workshop (Italian, ca.1510-1571)
Date: about 1550-1560
Dimensions:
H: 9 in.; W: 20 in.
Medium: Tin-glazed earthenware, known as maiolica
Place of Origin: Urbino, Italy
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott
Object number: 1953.168
Label Text:Basins such as this were filled with fragrant water so guests of wealthy Italian families could wash their hands between courses of a meal. The interior depicts the abduction of the beautiful Helen, wife of the King of Sparta, by Paris, prince of Troy. The struggling Helen is being pulled into a boat, while Paris, running to escape the pursuing Spartan soldiers, holds onto her garment from behind. The design is based closely on an engraving after a drawing by the Mantuan court artist, Giulio Romano (about 1499-1546). Maiolica painters frequently copied compositions by famous artists, and owning such works was considered a sign of taste and refinement. For more maiolica, see the case in Gallery 19.
Not on view
In Collection(s)