Dish with the coat of arms of Pope Leo X c. 1513 - 1521

This plate was made anonymously, likely in Italy, decorated with the coat of arms of Pope Leo X. It is made of earthenware covered with a glaze, a process requiring the precise coordination of multiple firings in a kiln. The plate's design is built up through layers of painting, each demanding careful attention to detail. The blue background, the intricate rendering of the cherubs, and the gilded elements of the heraldic shield are all testament to the skill of the artist. The act of producing such a plate involved a division of labor. The potter shaped the form, and the artist would then paint the decoration. The result is an object that embodies the culture of Renaissance Italy. While this dish may seem far removed from the concerns of labor and politics, it reflects the economic realities of its time. The production of luxury goods, like this plate, fueled trade networks and supported specialized workshops. Appreciating its status means looking beyond the surface, and recognizing the complex social relations that made its creation possible.