Plate (tagliere) 1512 - 1523

This 'Plate' was made in the 16th century by Maestro Giorgio Andreoli, likely in Italy, using lusterware. The Renaissance was a time of rediscovering classical antiquity but also, of burgeoning artistic and intellectual movements which were heavily influenced by the politics and norms of the period. Andreoli’s plate, with its rich cobalt blue background and carefully crafted heraldic symbols, reflects a society deeply invested in displays of power and lineage. The cherubic figure and mythological creatures are testaments to the era's fascination with classical narratives, repurposed to legitimize the power of the elite. This piece, although decorative, gives us insight into the complex social stratifications of the time, where even the dinnerware served as a canvas for projecting identity and status. This plate isn’t just an object; it's a lens through which we can examine the intricate dance between art, power, and identity in Renaissance Italy.