Armorial dish: The story of King Anius 1532

Francesco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo painted this armorial dish with the story of King Anius. Here, we see Anius's daughters, granted the power by Bacchus to turn anything into wine, grain, and oil. This motif of divine favor and miraculous provision appears throughout history, echoing the cornucopia of Roman art, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The act of transforming base elements into sustenance can be seen as an allegory for alchemical and spiritual transformation. This echoes in the visual arts from the medieval period onwards, with the iconography of saints performing miracles. Consider how these symbols tap into a deep-seated human desire for wish fulfillment and plenty, reflecting our collective subconscious yearning for a world free from scarcity. The scene is emotionally charged, resonating with viewers across centuries. This non-linear progression of symbols reminds us that cultural memory is alive.