Vitellius tazza

Unknown

ca. 1587–99, foot added after mid-19th century · Gilded silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Before beginning to chase the low-relief scenes on the tazze, each goldsmith would work out his composition on paper. He then transferred the design to the dish by pricking: with the paper pressed against the surface, he used a pointed tool to prick tiny dots along the outlines of the composition, punching through the paper and into the silver. In the third scene of this tazza, these marks are still visible in the contours of the architecture and landscape, especially in the lines of the riverbank. Scene one 1 Vitellius is hailed as emperor by his soldiers (although Galba still rules in Rome) (A.D. 69) 2 The soldiers carry Vitellius around the villages. He brandishes a sword, which once belonged to Julius Caesar, given to him in honor of his new role Scene two 1 During the civil war that commences after Otho murders Galba (A.D. 69), Vitellius divides his forces into two 2 The troops sent to challenge Otho receive a good omen: an eagle flies slowly in front of them Scene three 1 Vitellius receives another omen: a rooster lands on his shoulder and then stands on his head while he is giving legal judgments at a tribunal in Vienna Scene four 1 Vitellius enters Rome, dressed in a military uniform and surrounded by his men (A.D. 69) 2 He is greeted by the sound of trumpets played in his honor

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1587–99, foot added after mid-19th century

Medium

Gilded silver

Culture

Netherlandish?

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1945