Naples Or Castelli, Dish With "a Istoriato" Decor Representing Judith And Holofernes. 17th Century.

Round Italian earthenware dish from Castelli or Naples (?) with polychrome “a istoriato” decoration in the center of Judith holding the head of Holofernes*, the body of the latter resting in a tent on the left. Landscape in the background. Wing decorated with flowers.
Seventeenth century.
Diameter: 39 cm. Small crack on the wing around 7am.

*Holophernes, king of Nineveh and general of Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Bethulia, a small town in Palestine. Judith, widow of Manasseh and to save her city, put on her best dress and reached the enemy camp. Judith takes advantage of Holofernes' drunkenness after a banquet to cut off his head.