Large Italian Istoriato Revival Maiolica Charger, Pesaro School, Classical Heroic Scene, C. 189

Exceptional Italian polychrome maiolica charger in traditional tin-glazed earthenware, decorated with the powerful historical scene of Horatius Cocles defending the bridge. The imagery derives from the Renaissance narrative ceramic tradition developed in Urbino, renowned for monumental heroic and battle compositions.

Revived in the late 19th century by workshops in Pesaro, this historicist approach produced large decorative chargers designed for interior display. The present example reflects the Pesaro revival style closely associated with workshops such as Ceramica Molaroni, whose production defined the market for narrative maiolica at the turn of the century.

The reverse retains a 1955 presentation label documenting its later ownership history.

Dimensions

• Diameter: 44 cm

• Weight: 2,596 g

Condition

The charger is in excellent overall antique condition. There are a few very small enamel chips along the rim and fine glaze crazing visible under UV light, confined to the glaze layer only and not affecting the ceramic body. The painted surface remains vibrant and well preserved.