Broad-rimmed bowl with Neptune raping Theophane; arms of Pucci with an "ombrellino"

Francesco Xanto Avelli

National Gallery of Art

This is a painted bowl in vibrant colors. At the bottom, two small sheep stand on the tan-and-green ground. To the right, a small cherub with pale skin and blond hair stands, holding a bow with a quiver at their side. They are looking up and to the far right, where two people are intertwined below a group of tall trees. A person with the body of a human man and the head of a ram with curling horns has its arms extended, wrapping around a nude woman who has her mouth open. A pale orange cloth is draped from her back like a cape, and the male figure wears a blue draped toga. Both of these figures have light skin. On the other side of the bowl, to the left, a person draped in a blue robe stands looking at the two figures with a slightly downturned mouth. This person has light skin and orange hair, with what look like furry brown earmuffs over their head. They hold a staff and lean against a tall rocky mountain topped with grass and black trees. The background reveals a scenic view of rolling hills and a large stone structure akin to a castle or estate. The sky is rich with layered blue hues and has swirling cloud formations. In the center of the plate is a gold crest or shield, which features the profile of a person with dark skin looking to the left, a white headband tied around their head. A small gold canopy is over the crest.