The brightly colored tin-enameled earthenware called maiolica was among the major accomplishments of decorative arts in 16th-century Italy. This in-depth look at the history of maiolica, told through 140 exemplary pieces from the world-class collection at the Metropolitan Museum, offers a new perspective on a major aspect of Italian Renaissance art. Most of the works have never been published and all are newly photographed. The ceramics are featured alongside detailed descriptions of production techniques and a consideration of the social and cultural context, making this an invaluable resource for scholars and collectors. The imaginatively decorated works include an eight-figure group of the Lamentation, the largest and most ambitious piece of sculpture produced in a Renaissance maiolica workshop; pharmacy jars; bella donna plates; and more.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(08/29/16-02/26/17)

About the Author
Timothy Wilson is Barrie and Deedee Wigmore Research Keeper, Department of Western Art, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, and Professor of the Arts of the Renaissance, University of Oxford. Luke Syson is Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Chairman of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.


Book Information
ISBN 9781588395610
Author Timothy Wilson
Format Hardback
Page Count 392
Imprint Metropolitan Museum of Art
Publisher Metropolitan Museum of Art
Weight(grams) 2041g