Plate with Apollo and Marsyas c. 1525 - 1530

The “Plate with Apollo and Marsyas,” created by the “Painter of the Milan Marsyas” around 1525-1530, depicts a scene from Greek mythology, where the god Apollo, playing a lyre, challenges the satyr Marsyas to a musical contest. The painting is in the style of Italian Renaissance majolica, a type of tin-glazed earthenware popular in the 16th century. The piece utilizes vivid colors and detailed figural representations, reflecting the artistic trends of the period. The painting’s circular format, typical of plates, suggests its original function as a decorative object for a wealthy household.