Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/307

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WW^ n! '-^m^ • ^/")' Hampton Court, also, was decorated with enamelled mural revHemcnfs, executed by Maiano, an artist of tlie Delia Robbia school, which produced such exquisite decorations for the interiors of churches. Our readers may form a notion of the charm of these last-named fictile pro- ductions, peculiar to Italy, from the annexed representation. The dishes, and objects of daily domestic use, of early Italian fabrication, are often most graceful in form, and masterly in design. It is not possible to give any idea of their beauty, without the aid of colour, which has been liberally and very advanta- geously used in Mr. Marryat's work. Of their merits, however, the accompanying charming illustration is an example : it represents a Majolica charger, in the author's own cabinet, on which is depicted the storm- ing of Goleta by Cliarles V. This noble work was executed at Urbino, in 1531. (See the accompanying woodcuts.) We are next introduced to the soft pottery of France, the wares of Nevers and Rouen, — above all to the eccentric productions of a man of rare natural genius, whose auto- biography is not less replete with interest and originality, than his artist-productions in clay. Bernard Palissy has, till recent years, been unknown in England ; but the dispersion of several continental museums has brought many of his best works into this country. Mr. Marryat's collection has supplied a example. (See woodcuts.) From France, our author proceeds to Germany and Holland; he describes the wares of Delft, long the emporium whence not England alone, but many European countries were supplied ; and whose industry adapted itself to the taste most in vogue, simulating the designs of those Oi'iental wares, which extended relations with India had brought into favour. The little pot for sack, of which the Hon. Robert Curzon is the possessor, is probably of the fine white enamelled ware of Delft. Under the division of " Hard Pottery," comprising the fine earthenware and the stonewares, we are made acquainted with the exqui- site " fayencc de Henri II.," of which some striking- specimens have lately been exhibited at the Meetings of the Institute. None, perhaps, surpasses in elegance the candlestick belonging to Sir Anthony de Rothschild, here pourtrayed. Of the fine earthenware produced in England in earlier times, not much is linown. The celebrated " Shakspeare Jug" is stated to belong to this class, and we are not prepared to dispute the pedigree of a relic which we would fain accredit as authentic. (Sec woodcut, next page.) Altarpiece of terra cotta. hy L. dell.i Kobbia. San Miniato. very characteristic