Maiolica

Analyzes the various dimensions of the maiolica collection at the Gardiner by utilizing material culture analysis to bring forth as much as possible the spectrum of associations, meanings, and uses attached to these pieces.

The works related to Renaissance maiolica decribe the role of these objects within the specific cultures and societies of Renaissance Italy.

Definition and history of maiolica.

While this alphabetical bibliography is primarily of maiolica books, I also include books related to ceramics and tile designs.

Group for artists creating and studying maiolica or tin-glaze ceramic. Emphasis on study of Italian Renaissance style.

Maiolica, the refined, white-glazed pottery of the Italian Renaissance, was adapted to all objects that were traditionally ceramic, such as dishes, bowls, serving vessels, and jugs of all shapes and sizes. It was also used as a medium for sculpture and sculptural reliefs, as well as floor and ceiling tiles. This webpage, from the Timeline of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, describes Italian Renaissance maiolica, and provides examples from the Met's collections.

Li Tre Libri Dell'Arte Del Vasaio, the three books of the potters art, was written in 1557, or very close to that year, by Cipriano Picolpasso. It is a remarkable document, and is interesting both as a guide to the methods and techniques of the production of Majolica pottery in renaissance Italy, and also for the insight it gives into the attitudes and life of its author.

This site investigates Renaissance Italian maiolica as a material culture study by using methodological models in order to discover the role of maiolica within Renaissance society, culture and ritual. The gender implications, and religious and superstitious iconography of these objects are also considered, as related to the artistic ideals and values of the Renaissance.