Majolica Crespina With Compendiario Deruta 1700

Majolica crespina with Compendiario Deruta 1700 decoration depicting a winged cherub (or cupid). The cherub holds a laurel wreath (symbol of victory or virtue) and a pole with two small banners or weather vanes. The edge is “lobed” or “crumpled,” a wavy shape that gives the object dynamism. The perimeter decoration is a stylized garland with small yellow flowers and “S” scrolls and is decorated using the classic colors of majolica: cobalt blue, yellow ocher (antimony), and touches of brown/manganese. This decoration is defined in the “compendiario” style, characterized by a sober and measured style.

The crespina has a dense network of fine cracks on the glazed surface. In ceramics, this effect is often due to “thermal shock” or the natural settling of the glaze in relation to the clay over time. This is a table stand used to serve desserts or dried fruit, commonly called a crespina (a deep, shaped dish mounted on a foot) in majolica, made in Deruta in the 18th century.

It is in good condition despite the old restorations that can be seen on the left side of the cherub and near the edge in a couple of places (at 10 o'clock and 7 o'clock). The old restorations are evident in the yellowish coloration of the surface due to the oxidation over time of the paints used for retouching.