Terms and conditions of use
Sora Mavera, dish
(1530-1550)
- Medium
- earthenware (maiolica)
- Measurements
- 5.7 × 22.7 cm diameter
- Place/s of Execution
- Casteldurante, Italy
- Accession Number
- 4409-D3
- Department
- International Decorative Arts
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Bequest of Howard Spensley, 1939
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited - Gallery location
- 14th - 16th Century Gallery - Painting & Decorative Arts
Level 1, NGV International - About this work
-
This bowl is decorated with an image of a nun, accompanied by a scroll with her name: Sora Mavera (Sister Mavera). The plate is similar to those bearing images of an idealised beautiful woman (bella donna) which were often given to young women by men as love gifts. An image of a nun is unusual in this context. It is known that the dowry which a nun brought with her when she entered convent could include maiolica. The plate may, however, memorialise a young family member who entered a cloister.
- Physical description
- Painted in colours with portrait of a nun, inscribed with the name "Sora Mavera", Italian (Castel Durante).