Skip to Main Content

Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

c. 1550–70
maker

circle of Domenego da Venezia

(Italian)
Italy, Venice
tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Overall: 28.9 x 16.5 cm (11 3/8 x 6 1/2 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1920.421
Location: 118 Italian Renaissance
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

Featuring a fashionably clad gentleman’s torso, this pharmacy jar displays the coat of arms of the Hercolani family, who made their fortune dealing in textiles for men’s clothing.

Description

Depictions of ancient myths were a popular subject for ceramic decoration during the Renaissance. This pharmacy jar features the myth of Perseus and Andromeda. According to Greek mythology, a sea monster was sent to destroy the kingdom of Ethiopia after Queen Cassiopeia offended the sea nymphs. To appease the gods, Andromeda was chained to a rock and offered as a sacrifice to the monster. Before the creature could devour her, Perseus flew in on his winged horse and slayed the beast.
Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

c. 1550–70

Domenego da Venezia

(Italian)
Italy, Venice

See Also

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.