Plate with Arethusa Fleeing Alpheus

This unruly composition captures some of the surprising aspects of the narrative from Ovid's Metamorphoses* in which Arethusa is rescued from the lecherous hands of Alpheus by Diana, chaste goddess of the hunt. Without holding the plate, it is hard to appreciate the role of Giorgio Andreoli's luster details-here in gold, silver, and ruby-that enliven the scene.

Geography: Made in Urbino, Italy, Europe Lustered in Gubbio, Italy, Europe

Department: European Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Credit: Purchased with the John D. McIlhenny Fund, 1943...