Crowned eagle (one of a pair) 1671

This crowned eagle was made by Ippolito Rombaldoni in the late 17th century. It is made of glazed earthenware, also known as maiolica. The process begins with shaping the clay, which then undergoes an initial firing. The magic happens when the artist applies layers of tin-based glaze, creating a smooth, opaque surface. Rombaldoni then paints the details with metallic oxides, achieving the bird's ochre plumage and the vibrant blue-and-yellow pedestal. The piece is fired again, fusing the colors into a brilliant finish. Notice how the choice of material influences the eagle's appearance. The ceramic gives the eagle a sense of formality, yet the hand-painted quality of the glaze brings in warmth and texture. There is a tension here between naturalism and the stylized interpretation typical of decorative arts. The result is a powerful symbol imbued with the textures and tones of its making. It invites us to consider the status of ceramics, and how it blurs the line between craft and fine art.