Large dish with scale border; in the center, the Madonna and Child

Deruta 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a circular plate featuring a painted design at its center. The design shows the upper body and torso of an adult sitting and holding a young child. The adult has large eyes and hair styled in two bunches above their ears. Their hair is reddish-brown, and they have a circular halo above their head. The adult wears a brown robe with a blue outline. The child, shown completely naked and standing, has light-colored hair and a halo. One of their hands is raised. The surrounding design includes floral motifs and scrolling banners inscribed with text. The plate's outer rim has a pattern of overlapping blue and golden scales.