it
Antique Maiolica Plate – Perugia, 1769
Rare maiolica plate, 20 cm in diameter, made in 1769 by Angelo Micheletti, a ceramicist from Perugia active in the second half of the 18th century, likely connected to the historic workshops of Deruta or Gubbio.
The surface is coated with tin-glazed white enamel, providing an opaque, glossy base that enhances the vibrancy of the hand-painted decoration. The colors, fixed in a second high-temperature firing, result in a luminous, uniform and durable finish.
The design is inspired by 16th-century Renaissance maiolica, reinterpreted through the stylistic lens of the 18th century. At the center of the plate, within a medallion, appears the profile of a female figure: refined features, ornate hairstyle, and an elegantly detailed gown. The portrait is framed by stylized floral elements. The intermediate band alternates geometric and floral motifs arranged radially, in shades of ochre yellow, cobalt blue, copper green, oxide red, and black—a typical palette of Umbrian maiolica of the period. The fine rim, finished in ochre, shows minor wear consistent with the age of the object.
On the reverse, a precious handwritten Latin inscription in cobalt blue reveals the personal nature of the piece:
Angelus Michaelettus Perusinus ignarus artis pinxit et doctori excellentissimo amico optimo Eugenio Arvch d.d. MDCCLXIX ~ D ~
The phrase “ignarus artis” (“ignorant of art”) is to be understood as an expression of humility or self-irony, a common stylistic device among craftsmen and self-taught artists of the time.
The plate is in good condition, showing light craquelure and minor imperfections consistent with the production techniques and period. It is accompanied by a metal mounting with hooks, likely added later, designed for vertical display.
A unique object, created as a gift, where the beauty of maiolica blends with the intimate nature of a handwritten dedication. Perfect for enhancing a collection with an authentic piece in which art and human meaning are inseparably intertwined.
- Material: Glazed and Painted Maiolica
- Size: Diameter 20 cm
- Condition: Restored
- Period: Mid-18th century
- State: Good conditions
