Dish with arms of the Vitelli family 1515 - 1535

Nicola Francioli, called Co, created this tin-glazed earthenware dish, sometime in the 16th century, in Urbino, Italy. Dishes such as this one were not simply functional objects; they were status symbols for the families whose heraldry they displayed. The central shield with its checkered pattern and crescent moons, encircled by serpentine dragons, proudly showcases the Vitelli family's lineage and social standing. The grotesque masks and stylized floral motifs reflect the decorative tastes of Renaissance Italy, a time of burgeoning aristocratic power. The social conditions that shaped the production of this dish include the patronage system, in which wealthy families like the Vitelli commissioned artworks to enhance their prestige. We can learn more about this system by looking at archival records of commissions, artists' contracts, and family histories. This dish is a reminder that even the most decorative objects can offer insights into the social structures of their time.