https://emuseum.gardinermuseum.com/internal/media/dispatcher/10958/fullDish with the story of "Shooting at Father's Corpse"ca.1535-1550Overall: 6.6 x 28.7 cm (2 5/8 x 11 5/16 in.)Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)Gift of George and Helen GardinerOrigin: Cafaggiolo, Tuscany, ItalyG83.1.3221This 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.Italian Renaissance MaiolicaItalian Maiolica14th to 18th Century European Earthenware and Stoneware[]European CeramicsItalian Earthenware - Maiolica185272549ItalianItalian Renaissance"P" crossed