Italian Summers

Vintage Autogrill Plate by De Simone - Di Villoresi Il Carroccio

Name: Vintage Autogrill Plate by De Simone - Di Villoresi Il Carroccio
Brand: Italian Summers
Price: 75.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

€75,00 EUR

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A Remarkable Piece of Medieval Italian History

This extraordinary vintage Autogrill plate celebrates one of the most powerful symbols of medieval Italian civic pride: Il Carroccio, the sacred war cart of the Lombard communes. Designed by renowned Sicilian artist Giovanni De Simone (1930–1991) in the late 1960s–70s, this plate honors the Autogrill Di Villoresi in Lombardy with a tribute to Milan's medieval heritage and the spirit of communal independence.

The Story Behind This Plate:
Unlike the typical food-themed Autogrill plates, this remarkable piece celebrates Lombard history and the legendary Carroccio—the ceremonial war wagon that medieval Italian city-states, especially Milan, carried into battle as a sacred symbol of civic freedom and unity. The illustration depicts the magnificent cart pulled by two white oxen, topped with a crucifix, and surrounded by medieval warriors bearing flags and weapons. This powerful image evokes the fierce independence and pride of medieval Lombardy.

Historical Significance:
The Carroccio was more than a war cart—it was a mobile altar, a rallying point, and a symbol of the commune's sovereignty. Losing the Carroccio in battle was considered a devastating defeat, while defending it was a matter of honor. This plate beautifully captures that medieval spirit and connects travelers on the modern autostrada to Lombardy's storied past.

✨ Condition Great Vintage!
SIZE: 25 cm diameter - 10 Inches
-No chips or cracks
-Light glaze crazing typical of authentic Autogrill ceramicware
-Colors remain bright and clear
-Back stamp present (sometimes partially covered by glaze — typical for Autogrill pieces)

De Simone's Artistry:
Originally hand-painted by Giovanni De Simone and then reproduced using traditional serigraphy (screen printing), this plate showcases the artist's distinctive naïve, whimsical style applied to a historical theme. The charming medieval figures, detailed oxen, and ceremonial elements create a captivating narrative piece that celebrates Italian cultural heritage.

Details:
• Diameter: 25 cm (9.8 inches)
• Era: Late 1960s–70s
• Artist: Giovanni De Simone, Sicily
• Technique: Serigraphy on ceramic
• Location: Autogrill Di Villoresi, Lombardy
• Theme: Il Carroccio (medieval war cart)
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition
• Highly collectible across Europe & the U.S.

Perfect For:
• Collectors of vintage Autogrill memorabilia
• De Simone ceramics enthusiasts
• History buffs and medieval Italy enthusiasts
• Lovers of Italian autostrada culture and nostalgia
• Unique Italian decor celebrating cultural heritage
• Display as conversation-starting wall art

About Autogrill × De Simone Plates
During the 1960s–70s, Autogrill collaborated with the Sicilian artist Giovanni De Simone to create a series of hand-painted ceramic souvenir plates sold in their famous Italian highway travel stops. These were never restaurant plates — they were sold as collectible keepsakes celebrating Italian food, travel culture, and regional recipes. Today, they are cherished pieces of mid-century Italian folk art.

EU GSPR-related product information

MUGS
Manufacturer contact information
Name: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the lead and cadmium level requirements.

T-SHIRTS
Manufacturer contact information
Name: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the flammability, lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde level requirements.

SWEATSHIRTS
Manufacturer contact information
Name: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the flammability, lead, cadmium, bisphenols and phthalates level requirements.

PHONE CASE
Manufacturer contact information
Name: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the lead, cadmium, mercury, Hexavalent Chromium, azo dyes, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and phthalates level requirements.

BEACH TOWELS
Manufacturer contact information
Name: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the azo dyes, formaldehyde, BPA, flammability, lead and phthalates level requirements.

FLIP FLOPS
Manufacturer contact informationName: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years

BAGS
Manufacturer contact information
Name: Printful
Email address: support@printful.com
Postal address: Raina bulvaris 25, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years

CLUTCH
GPSR information: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY