Armorial dish: Supper at the House of Simon the Pharisee 1528

This dish, depicting "The Supper at the House of Simon the Pharisee," was made in Italy during the 16th century by Maestro Giorgio Andreoli. It is earthenware covered with a glaze of tin, painted with metallic lustre. The lusterware technique, where metallic oxides are applied and fired to create a shimmering surface, reflects an intersection of art, science, and labor. Andreoli was renowned for his mastery of this complex process. The narrative scene at the center is surrounded by an ornamental border with heraldic shields. The painting is meticulous, possible because of the smooth, opaque surface of the tin glaze. The high level of skill involved in producing a piece like this indicates that it would have been considered a luxury item. Ultimately, this plate serves as a reminder that so-called decorative arts like ceramics often required the specialized input of skilled artisans. It challenges the conventional boundaries between art and craft.