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Bowl with The Virgin and the Unicorn and arms of Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Aragon

probably ca. 1486–88
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 604
This large bowl or dish belongs to a set made as a gift for the king and queen of Hungary; their royal arms appear at the top, interrupting the elaborate border. Concentric circles of ribbons, flowers, and geometric designs act as a framing device for the central scene, where the woman and unicorn probably symbolize chastity. Beautiful and functional, a dish like this one might have hung from a wall at times and been used at a table at others.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bowl with The Virgin and the Unicorn and arms of Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Aragon
  • Date: probably ca. 1486–88
  • Culture: Italian, Pesaro
  • Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 4 × 18 7/8 in. (10.2 × 47.9 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1946
  • Object Number: 46.85.30
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Madonna and Child with Scroll, Luca della Robbia Italian, Glazed terracotta, Italian, Florence
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ca. 1455
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