Plate with hunting scene and arms of the Alarçon y Mendoza family 1635 - 1655

This plate with hunting scene and arms of the Alarçon y Mendoza family was made by Francesco Grue, using maiolica. This tin-glazed earthenware, perfected in Italy, involves coating a ceramic base with a white enamel, then painting it with mineral pigments. The high-firing process fuses the colors to the glaze, resulting in a durable, vibrant surface. Look closely and you'll notice the incredible detail of the hunting scene and the family's coat of arms. The dense, almost baroque embellishment speaks to the patronage of wealthy families. Hunting scenes like these were fashionable status symbols in the 17th century, reflecting aristocratic leisure. But don't overlook the labor involved! Grue was a master of his craft, commanding a workshop of assistants who would have executed every stage from preparing the clay to firing the finished piece. Appreciating this plate means recognizing the hands that shaped it, and the social world it inhabited. It's a testament to the enduring power of craft as both artistry and industry.