Dish in majolica of Urbino, workshop of Guido Durantino, Circa 1535-1540

Dish in majolica of Urbino with polychrome decoration "a istoriato" of a mythological scene representing Alpheus pursuing Arethusa already transformed into a spring*. Background of mountainous landscape with view of city by the sea.
White enamelled reverse decorated with three yellow concentric nets and in the center a shield with two Moorish heads, emblem of the Lanciarini family of Rome and the inscription "Fiume et Fonte" (for river and spring). Label of the Mame collection on the back.Workshop of Guido Durantino, probably painted by Orazio Fontana. Circa 1535-1540.
First part of the 16th century.
Diameter: 27 cm.
Three pieces glued back on the wing between 3:30 and 6:00, including a small plaster one on the edge.

Provenance: French private collection.
Former Mame collection, sale in Tours on April 26/27/28 and 29, 1904, n°188 of the catalog, label on the back of the plate.

*Arethusa, nymph and companion of Diana, bathes in the waters of the river Alpheus. He falls in love with the nymph and, taking human form, pursues her. Diana, to protect her, transforms her into a spring. Alpheus, now a river again, follows her until their waters merge.
Metamorphosis of Ovid, book V, ll 572-641.

Cf. for the same subject: British Museum, catalog volume I, n°190 p. 324, Château d'Ecouen museum by Francesco Durantino.