PLATE FROM A MAJOLICA SERVICE FOR THE DUKE OF FERRARA, ALFONSO II D'ESTE AND MARGHERITA GONZAGA - The Embden Collection Urbino, Patanazzi workshop, ca. 1579. Wide-rimmed bowl with a polychrome decoration. A Cupid in the center on a bed of clouds, surrounded by grotesque figures on a white background and, in the crown of the lip, the “impresa,” a flame of burning asbestos, inscribed “Ardet Aeternum” on a white banner. The rim is framed by a stylized egg-and-dart border in orange-yellow. Signed TB on the verso. Ø 23 cm. Small chip to the rim. Provenance: The Arlette and Antony Embden Collection, France. The service on offer is considered one of the largest Renaissance majolica services and was most likely commissioned for the Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este, and his wife Margherita Gonzaga, either for their wedding in 1579 or shortly thereafter. There is no evidence of the original number of items in the service, but given the abundance of different shapes, it is assumed to have been very extensive (Thornton-Wilson, Italian Renaissance Ceramics. A catalogue of the British Museum Collection, 2009, Cat. No. 240). Forty-three pieces are still known today and are mainly scattered across European museums. In addition to large plates, vases, salt cellars, bottles, and candlesticks, 17 small plates are mentioned in the literature (op. cit.). The motto of the Duke and Duchess of Ferrara, “it burns forever,” is visualized by the ever-burning asbestos and is preserved on a contemporary bronze medal with portraits of the Duke and Duchess and the symbol of the motto on the reverse, minted ca. 1579 (cf. Thornton-Wilson, 2009, p. 409). * The full tax is charged on this item marked *, i.e. VAT is charged on the sum will be refunded to Purchasers providing a validly stamped export declaration.