Plate (istoriato)

Istoriato, literally “storied,” or narrative style wares, emerged in the 16th century. The ceramic surface was painted like a canvas in an attempt to elevate maiolica to “fine art” status. Inspiration was often taken from ancient history and Classical mythology. The story of Marcus Curtius represented on this plate is a very popular istoriato theme taken from Livy’s History of Rome. According to Livy, a great chasm opened on the Roman Forum into which, the seers foretold, the Romans should throw their greatest strength in order to ensure that their empire would last forever. A young warrior, Marcus Curtius, mounted his horse and jumped into the chasm, claiming that youth was the most important thing.