Dish (tondino) 1533

This ceramic dish was made in Italy in the 16th century by Maestro Giorgio Andreoli. Andreoli was part of a vibrant artistic community that drew inspiration from classical mythology, biblical stories, and contemporary events. Painted with scenes of male prowess and female vulnerability, the dish offers a window into Renaissance ideals. We see a heroic male figure in action, contrasted against the passive, reclining female figure in the lower part of the plate. The Renaissance was a time of revisiting the classics, but also of solidifying patriarchal values. The positioning of women as objects of beauty, rather than agents of power, was common. As you observe this piece, think about how gender roles are portrayed. Does the plate reinforce or challenge those stereotypes? Consider how these historical narratives continue to shape contemporary views on gender and power.