Wine cooler
by FONTANA, Flaminio, Tin-glazed earthenware, 40 x 71 cm
This maiolica object is signed F.F.F. on the foot. The inside is decorated with a naval battle derived from a fresco by Taddeo Zuccaro showing the capture of Tunis.
Flaminio Fontana was part of an Italian family of potters. The workshop founder, Guido Durantino (died c. 1576), was established as a potter in Urbino by 1519 and by 1553 had adopted the name Fontana. His three sons, Nicolò Fontana (died 1565), Camillo Fontana (died 1589) and Orazio Fontana (c. 1510-1576), also took part in the business, as did Nicolò’s son Flaminio Fontana. The workshop was one of the most influential in the area during the 16th century.