The two most distinguished artists here were Francisco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo and Orazio Fontana; they are commonly spoken of as “Xanto” and “Fontana.” Besides these were Battista Franco and Raffaelle del Calle, among the best painters upon maiolica.
During the time of these artists many elaborate pictures were painted by them upon the vases and plates of Urbino. Following the mezza-maiolica, the work at first showed much of the Oriental character of design, and the lustred surfaces were continued. But soon ambition seized them, and they transferred to the surface of the clay elaborate scriptural, historical, and allegorical subjects. Original designs were made to some extent; but to a larger extent the great pictures of the great masters were seized upon—such as Raffaelle’s “Triumph of Galatea,” and other works of the same sort. The engravings of Marc Antonio and of Albert Dürer, then just at hand, gave easy aid; and with such helps, with a rich and art-loving public to encourage them, we can see how the production should flourish. The vase ([Fig. 68]) is a good example of one of their best works.
These fine pieces were used as presents by grandees to grandees, and by princes to princes. Pieces and sets were painted expressly as gifts for lovers, for espoused persons, for safe deliveries; as marks of favor, and as persuasives for favors to come. Then grew up a large production of plates painted expressly for lovers, upon which the portrait of the lady was painted; in many cases, I am sure, with unnecessary ugliness, but with a sufficiently lovely motto to atone in some degree for the injury, no doubt unwittingly done—such as “diva” or “paragon di tutti.” These are known as amatorii, and are much prized.
In Fig. 69 we give one of these amatorii, and one of the most pleasing; some are of supreme ugliness. This one is dedicated to Vanna Bella—the beautiful Vanna; and in its time was more beautiful than now, for it was the inspiration of love.
Among the fancies indulged in upon the amatorii plates and jugs are mentioned such as these:
On one, we have two hands clasped over a fire; and above, a golden heart pierced by two darts.
On another, a heart transfixed with a sword and an arrow over a burning flame, bedewed with tears falling from two eyes placed above.
