Deruta Maiolica Charger, First Half to Mid-16th Century

Deruta maiolica display charger with polychrome decoration depicting Saint Lucida standing at the center, her hands clasped in prayer and holding a pilgrim's staff, against a landscape background.

A scroll bears the inscription: “IBIT. AD GIFMINOS. LUCIDA FAMA POLLOS FIAT” (The Angel of Light or “Divine Light,” whose hands are joined in such a way as to suggest the protection of the world, with a face and posture expressing great kindness).

The rim is divided into radiating compartments alternately decorated with almond-shaped motifs, scale patterns, and floral ornaments.

Italy, Deruta, circa 1520–1530, 16th century.

Diameter: 38 cm.

Two restored cracks.

Provenance: Former Bordonaro Collection, Sicily. Italika Collection.

Bibliography: Giuliana Gardelli, Italika, Maiolica Italiana del Rinascimento, illustrated no. 186, pp. 402–403. Edizioni Faenza, Faenza, 1999.

For similar decoration on the rim: Giulio Busti and Franco Cocchi, La Ceramica Umbra al Tempo di Perugino, no. 36, p. 127. Silvana Editoriale, Milan, 2004.