European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Plate with Arethusa Fleeing Alpheus Made in Urbino, Italy, EuropeLustered in Gubbio, Italy, Europe 1531 Francesco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo, Italian (active Urbino), recorded 1530 - 1542. Lustered in the workshop of Maestro Giorgio Andreoli, Italian (active Gubbio), recorded from 1489, died 1555. Tin-glazed and lustered earthenware (maiolica) * Gallery 250, European Art 1500-1850, second floor 1943-1-3 Purchased with the John D. McIlhenny Fund, 1943 |
LabelThis unruly composition captures some of the surprising aspects of the narrative from Ovid's Metamorphoses in which Arethusa is rescued from the lecherous hands of Alpheus by Diana, chaste goddess of the hunt. Without holding the plate, it is hard to appreciate the role of Giorgio Andreoli's luster details—here in gold, silver, and ruby—that enliven the scene.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
