Bowl with Lucretia Bella

Unknown

ca. 1480–1500 · Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This is an early example of the Belle donne ("beautiful women") ceramics popular throughout the Renaissance. They were probably made as amorous gifts, although it is difficult to know if they are really portraits of individuals. Because of the imagery of this bowl it may refer to Lucrezia de’Medici, the daughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent (whose birthtray is displayed in this gallery), born in 1470.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1480–1500

Medium

Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)

Culture

Italian, Tuscany (probably Montelupo)

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1946