Faenza dish "a compendario" Jacob and Esau, Maestro di panneggi, circa 1585

Large circular dish slightly hollow in Faenza earthenware decorated "a compendario" of a biblical scene in full, most likely the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau (Old Testament, book of Genesis, verses 1-17). In front of a group of men, women and children, the patriarch and his twin brother embrace. In the background, in a hilly landscape, is represented an encampment with tents and people. Attributed to "Maestro dei panneggi". Circa 1585, last quarter of the 16th century.
Diameter : 47 cm.
This type of dish with historiated scenes "a compendario", that is to say with succinct decorations in yellow and blue on a white background, was produced in Faenza circa 1550-1600, in particular by the Bettisi workshop, by Virgiliotto Calamelli, by the "Maestro del servizio numerotato U or V" and by the "Maestro dei panneggi". Here the dish is attributed to "Maestro dei panneggi" Stephano Accarisi because of its similarity with two dishes kept in the museum of Faenza decorated with scenes from the Old Testament and painted by the "Maestro dei panneggi". One illustrates the episode of Benjamin, the other the alliance between Isaac and Abimelech.
A dish from the same series was sold by the Pescheteau-Badin study on February 6, 2012 No. 88, depicting Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams after an engraving by Bernard Salomon, published in the Bible by Jean de Tournes in Lyon around 1553-1554.
CF. Museum of Faenza, Victoria & Albert Museum in London, The Residence in Munich (service with the arms of Albert V of Bavaria). Bibliography: "La maioloca italiana di stile compendarion - I Bianchi" U. Alemandi & C, 2010. "Italian Renaissance Maiolica", ELisa P. Sani, V&A Publisching, 2012.