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Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni and Workshop of Marco del Buono, Birth Tray: The Triumph of Love

Key facts
Full title Birth Tray: The Triumph of Love
Artist Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni and Workshop of Marco del Buono
Artist dates 1415/17 - 1465; about 1403 - after 1480
Date made probably about 1453-5
Medium and support Egg tempera on wood
Dimensions 61.8 × 62.1 cm
Acquisition credit Presented by Henry Wagner, 1924
Inventory number NG3898
Location Not on display
Collection Main Collection
Birth Tray: The Triumph of Love
Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni and Workshop of Marco del Buono

'The Triumph of Love' is a 'desco da parto' (or birth tray). These were originally used in Florence for bringing food to pregnant women, and seem to have become traditional gifts at birth.

The subject is loosely derived from Petrarch's 'Triumphs'. Love stands on a richly decorated chariot while in the foreground Aristotle is ridden by Phyllis and Delilah shears Samson's hair while he is sleeping. Aristotle ridden by Phyllis is an incident not found in Petrarch. The story relates how Aristotle falls in love with Phyllis, who demands that he be bridled and carry her on his back.

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