C. Paolinelli – Abstract

Even the noble families of Senigallia decided to endow their sideboards with white pure majolica earthenware according to the fashion of the mid-sixteenth century, during which wonderful examples of ceramics in the 'compendiario' style were produced, not only in Faenza but also in the Duchy of Urbino. The three dishes found at Scappezzano, just outside Senigallia, are a significant example and were most probably locally produced and made for a specific occasion in 1562, forming part of a set owned by the Balsassini family of Senigallia. This family, of ancient Eugubine origin, moved from Gubbio in Umbria to the Adriatic town of Senigallia at the beginning of the fifteenth century and later moved to the fortified town of Scapezzano in the sixteenth century. The ceramic service is emblazoned with a coat of arms and dated, and is also characterised by the presence of the symbol “AB”, which is of uncertain meaning but is probably a sign of ownership rather than the signature of an artist or a workshop studio. The service is among the most important pieces of ceramic and art examples from an area rich in works of art, which made Senigallia the leading centre in the Duchy of Urbino thanks to the artistic sensibilities of the art patrons and collectors which were active at the time.