Hand-painted entirely in Deruta, this ceremonial plate depicts the iconic profile of the Young Knight ("Il Cavaliere"), the famous male counterpart of the 16th-century Umbrian Belle Donne plates.
What makes it unique is the lateral cartouche with the Latin phrase EX ANIMO—"From the Heart," "With sincere affection"—which during the Renaissance transformed these plates into highly prestigious gifts, intended to seal unbreakable bonds or solemn promises.
The young nobleman is portrayed wearing typical 16th-century attire: an orange mazzocchio surmounted by a light feather and a noble robe trimmed in gold. The outer brim envelops the scene with the traditional quartered division, where scale motifs alternate with rich vegetal scrolls (grotesques) in the Raphaelesque style.
