Fragment of a Footed Bowl with Medici Family Arms

Painted designs like those on this bowl were a source of inspiration for Venetian revival glassmakers. The Medici coat of arms indicates that this Renaissance-made bowl was commissioned by one of Italy's most powerful families. American collectors like John Gellatly valued the workmanship and age of pieces like this. At the same time, such works inspired glassmakers on Murano to repeat and adapt these patterns.