Bitossi “Carta Fiorentina” turtle, 60s, approx. 24cm (l.) x 19cm (w.)

“Festina lente,” or “make haste slowly,” has been a part of Western heritage since being articulated by Roman emperor Augustus over 2,000 years ago when he named it as a trait he admired in his military leaders. This saying famously inspired 17th century poet and writer Jean de la Fontaine, who made it the basis for his well-known fable The Hare and the Tortoise. Whether it was Augustus or de la Fontaine who inspired Bitossi designer Aldo Londi to take the slow and careful approach with mid-century ceramics is unknown, but there is no doubt a great deal of care was exercised with his creation here. The sgraffito of the eyes and mouth is cleanly done, the stamped circles on his shell are painstakingly aligned, and the colors of the glaze are neatly applied. Much like a real turtle, he is a study in contradictions: sturdy but beautiful, long but squat, and rough but smooth. These are difficult elements to resolve, but Londi’s meticulous dedication to craft — perhaps with a nod to ancient Roman virtues — results in a turtle which would not be out of place ambling about with the real turtles I see on occasion outside my window.