Dish 1500 - 1550

This tin-glazed earthenware dish depicting the Nativity was created by Orazio Fontana in the 16th century. The central image presents a scene of profound human vulnerability, yet it is swathed in symbols of hope and renewal. The descending angel, a common motif in annunciations, echoes the classical figure of winged victories. This symbol has been passed down since ancient times and has been reshaped to carry the weight of Christian salvation. Meanwhile, the humble setting of the stable, framed against a backdrop of verdant trees and sky, speaks to the enduring human desire for solace in nature. The presence of shepherds, their faces etched with awe, recalls the pastoral landscapes of ancient Greece, where shepherds often embodied the simple, virtuous life. Observe how Fontana evokes a visceral, deeply rooted connection between the viewer and the spiritual event depicted. It is an emotional tableau that transcends the centuries, resurfacing in our collective memory.