My essay is about an artistic utility object Desco da Parto (Italian: "birth tray"). In Tuscany during the late

Middle Ages and early Renaissance, a decorated serving tray was used in some cases for the presentation of

treats and small gifts during the ceremonial congratulations of new mothers. The trays were painted with

symbolic stories with classical and biblical motifs. The artist painted on the front and back "recto/verso". The

coat of arms of both families was painted on the back of the tray "verso" and often decorated with heraldic

motifs. To exemplify and draw conclusions, three artists have been selected, Giovanni di Ser Giovanni Lo

Scheggia, Girolamo di Benvenuto and Jacopo Carucci Pontormo. These three trays are analysed using

Panofskys analysis model. The serving childtray develops from an artistic utility object to an art craft and

ornamental object and wall decoration.