Artwork Page for Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

Details / Information for Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

c. 1550–70
maker

circle of Domenego da Venezia

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

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.
A cylindrical, tin-glazed earthenware jar narrows slightly at its center. Painted in deep blue, yellow, and green, a central ornate cartouche depicts an arm holding a branch beside the letters V and N. Four winged cherubs support the frame, with green birds perched on yellow swags above. A lion mask marks the bottom, while scalloped and geometric bands decorate the vessel's neck and flared base.

Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

c. 1550–70

Domenego da Venezia

(Italian)
Italy, Venice

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