Dish with the story of "Shooting at Father's Corpse"
CultureItalian
OriginCafaggiolo, Tuscany, Italy
PeriodItalian Renaissance
Datec.1535-1550
MediumTin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
DimensionsOverall: 6.6 x 28.7 cm (2 5/8 x 11 5/16 in.)
Markings"P" crossed
DescriptionThis dish represents an episode from a moralising tale particularly popular in the late medieval period but still part of the Renaissance imaginary, known as “Shooting at Father’s Corpse.” According to the story, following the death of a king, the question of who should succeed him arose and a judge was sought. The judge told the three sons to fetch their father’s body, tie it to a tree, and to shoot arrows at him; the son who pierced the heart most accurately should be the heir. The eldest sons each shot at the body, while the youngest refused. In turn, the judge named him the true heir.
Credit LineGift of George and Helen Gardiner
Object numberG83.1.322
Classifications
European CeramicsSub-classification
Italian Earthenware - MaiolicaStatus
On viewArtist / Maker: Chantilly Porcelain Manufactory
c.1735-1740
Object number: G17.2.7
Artist / Maker: Associate of Franco Xanto Avelli
c.1530
Object number: G83.1.390
Artist / Maker: Franco Xanto Avelli
c.1530
Object number: G83.1.362
Artist / Maker: Casa Pirota Workshop
1537
Object number: G83.1.351
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
c.1725-30
Object number: G12.17.1a-b
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
c.1725-30
Object number: G12.17.2a-b