Castelli Faience Dish, 17th Century – Silenus And The Satyrs

Italian faience dish, very likely from Castelli, dating from the 17th century.

At the center, the scene depicts Silenus, drunken, supported and accompanied by satyrs, a theme drawn from Greek mythology and often associated with Dionysian processions. Silenus, companion and tutor of Dionysus (Bacchus), was a recurring figure in ancient iconography and inspired many Renaissance and Baroque artists, including Raphael, Correggio, Rubens and Poussin.

The decoration is painted in vivid enamels, typical of Castelli productions, renowned for their narrative quality and chromatic richness.

• Origin: Southern Italy, very likely Castelli
• Period: 17th century
• Technique: Glazed and painted faience
• Decoration: Mythological scene – Silenus drunken, supported by satyrs
• Condition: With restorations and repairs

A fine example of Castelli’s production, illustrating both the legacy of antiquity and the refined pictorial tradition of Italian workshops in the 17th century.