Majolica Decorative Plate by Alfredo Santarelli (Depicting Nonnina Strozzi)

Italian Lustre Majolica plate by Alfredo Santarelli, marked "unic" (unique) on surface. The subject of this portrait plate is Nonnina Strozzi, whose name appears on the banner. Nonnina Strozzi was the wife of Bernardo Barbigia. Until their exile in 1434, the Florentine Strozzi family were the chief rivals of the Medicis. At the time, the Strozzis were the richest family in 15th century Florence. The Palazzo Strozzi along Via Tornabuoni in the center of Florence was begun in 1466 once the family returned to Florence and was completed in 1538.

This plate depicts Nonnina Strozzi exactly as she is seen on the period cast bronze medal by Niccolo Firorentino, dated 1489. These medals are in the permanent collections of The British Museum, The National Gallery of Art (U.S.A.) and many other prominent museums. It is likely that Santarelli portrait was inspired by these medals.

Alfredo Santarelli (1874-1957) was born in Gualdo Tadino, and he is considered an important Italian Ceramic Artist of the 20th century. He is known for his drawing and mastery of the tin glazing technique (lustreware). He won many gold medals in both International and Italian Ceramic exhibitions.