Dish
Venice (?), early 16th century
Enamel on copper, parcel-gilt
Diam. 17 1/2 in. (43.8 cm); d. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Gift of Alexis Gregory, 2021
Photo Joseph Coscia Jr.
This dish decorated with foliage and flowers has a central boss surrounded by gadroons in blue on a white ground. The inner ring is made of translucent green enamel, while the outer ring is of opaque blue enamel with a gold frieze. The dish is decorated with spiral gadroons in white enamel against a deep blue ground. Gold motifs dotted with white and red strokes ornament the blue wing. At the center of the dish is a Saxon silver coin engraved by Hans Biener (ca. 1556–1604) and minted in 1592. It includes a coat of arms and the inscription FRAT: ET DVCES. SAXON (Brothers and Dukes of Saxony).