Item : 267596
Marble tray
Period: 16th century
The decoration of this magnificent white marble tray is singular: it is circular in shape and has a smooth inner bottom, while the entire underlying surface is sculpted with relief sea waves. And it is precisely in this sea that five marine creatures swim, mythological figures half female and half animal. These are mermaids, legendary and mysterious creatures, the upper part of the body is of a beautiful and young woman, the lower part is fishtail; magical as enchantresses and we can all remember Ulysses in Homer's Odyssey. In symbolism the siren represents temptation, exercised by one's body and by the persuasive and enchanting voice