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Mortar

c. 1550–1560

workshop of Wenzel Jamnitzer I

(German, 1508/09–1585)

with plaquettes cast after models by Peter Flötner

(German, 1485–1546)
Germany, 16th century
bronze
Overall: 12.4 x 14.6 cm (4 7/8 x 5 3/4 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1951.444
Location: 114 Late Northern Renaissance
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Description

Three reliefs curiously combine faith, hope, and vanity. They were made after works by Peter Flötner (more refined plaquettes by the artist are also in the museum's collection), then incorporated into the vessel. The plants and small reptiles were cast from life, an example of the strong interest in natural history in Renaissance Nuremberg. This tradition relates closely to the French ceramics by Palissy, also in the collection, which likewise incorporate natural specimens.
Mortar

Mortar

c. 1550–1560

Wenzel Jamnitzer I, Peter Flötner

(German, 1508/09–1585), (German, 1485–1546)
Germany, 16th century

Videos

A Collector’s Object

Leaping Lizards!

Faith, Hope, and Pride

The Story of the Mortar

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