More

We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set other cookies to remember your settings, measure website use and inform our marketing. We also use content from other sites in our pages, and those sites may also set cookies. More information can be found in our cookies policy.

13 Ewer stand: the Earth and the Sea

In the late sixteenth century, the enamel painters of Limoges began producing ceremonial dinnerware sets that included large plates, ewers, and other items. This round dish was the work of the highly skilled enamel painter Pierre Courteys, and it was apparently used as an ewer stand. Luxurious pieces of dinnerware like this were painted with classical and biblical scenes, often incorporating imagery from prints after works by eminent artists. For cultured members of the upper classes, dinnerware like this would have served as a conversation starter.

The imagery on this ewer stand may have been an allegory of the Earth and the Sea, as it includes images of numerous deities, including Cybele, goddess of the Earth; Neptune, god of the Sea; and a pair of river gods. The figures of Neptune on his chariot and one of the river gods were inspired by prints after drawings by Raphael. Courteys added his signature to the center of the underside of the dish, offering us a glimpse of his artistic pride.