Dish (coppa) 1532

Francesco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo’s 1532 maiolica dish, "Dish (coppa)", depicts the mythological scene of Laocoon and his sons being attacked by snakes. The detailed scene, painted on a circular ceramic dish, showcases the dramatic struggle between the Trojan priest and the serpentine creatures. The artist’s use of vivid colors and intricate details creates a powerful visual narrative, emphasizing the dramatic tension of the story. Xanto was renowned for his mastery of maiolica, a type of tin-glazed earthenware, and his work demonstrates the high artistic standard of this form during the Italian Renaissance.