Plate with a Woman in Profile

You'll see several maiolica plates on display in this room. Maiolica ware is prepared by tin-glazing earthenware, and firing it for a second time. It's characterized by colorful painted decorations on a white background. This technique originated in Western Asia in the 9th century. By the 13th century, the method had spread through the Islamic world and into southern Spain. Maiolica was imported to Italy via the Isle Majorca, from which the term maiolica is derived. Dated 1529 on the back and signed with the name of Giorgio di Gubbio, who led a busy workshop. This plate, depicting a woman identified on a scroll simply as Justina, is typical of those produced in Italy during the Renaissance. It may have been part of a larger service that commemorated a special occasion such as a wedding.