Late 19th Century Large Montelupo Majolica Plate

Elegant large polychrome majolica display plate. The plate features a ringed base and a historiated decoration on the front. The frame around the rim features geometric decorations, while the center depicts the "Massacre of the Innocents," an episode from the Gospel of Matthew, which tells how Herod, king of Judea, ordered the massacre of numerous children in an attempt to kill the new "king of the Jews." The depiction, against the backdrop of a city, features mothers with their newborn children, intent on escaping and defending themselves from the guards, who are intent on killing their children. This is a plate of great class and elegance, capable of lending a touch of antiquity and refinement to any setting. Manufactured in Montelupo (Florence, Tuscany, Italy) in the late 19th century.

Dimensions: H x DM 58 x 58cm