I bought this hand painted plate during the last trip to Italy. We had seen it in the window of a shop and studio in a local town. Unfortunately the shop was closed at the time and as they had to travel home before we could all return I did so on another day.
The picturesque scene painted on this particular plate is based on a well-known courtyard in the old town and near the artist's studio. As you look into the courtyard through the entrance gates you can see a fragment of a 1st century A.D. marble Roman calendar. It recalls the feasts of the first three months of the year, the dies nefasti, that is, days in which business may or may not be conducted.
Whilst I was taking photos a resident came and took them on a tour of the newly restored medieval town hall as he thought they were tourists so I missed out on a visit. Since we sometimes go to the town hall on business I'm sure there will be another opportunity to look around.
On my return to the shop I met the artist and her husband. I was invited into her little studio at the back of the shop and they were very happy for me to take photos. Talking to artists about their work is not only interesting, but always makes a purchase special and more personal.
As I sit at my desk to write this I've glanced out of the window and see that fine snowflakes are falling, although it looks more like sleet than a heavy snowfall.
Whatever the weather is like where you are when you read this and whatever you're doing I wish you a good day.