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Tile
Durantino, Francesco - Enlarge image
Tile
- Place of origin:
Perugia (probably, made)
- Date:
ca. 1543 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Durantino, Francesco (probably, maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Tin-glazed earthenware, painted
- Museum number:
441-1906
- Gallery location:
In store
An exceptional tiled pavement exhibiting the virtuosity characteristic of mannerist design is known from the Rocca Paolina in Perugia. This massive fortress was built by the decree of Pope Paul III and officially completed in 1543. Surviving tiles from the floor, such as this damaged example, were painted with 'grotesque' ornament set against an intense blue ground. One tile from the floor is dated 1543, in which year it is known that orders for tiles for the building were placed with the workshop of Guido di Merlino in Urbino. It is possible that the maiolica painter Francesco Durantino, may have been involved in their production.

