Artwork Page for Pair of Saltcellars

Details / Information for Pair of Saltcellars

Pair of Saltcellars

c. 1570–90
maker

circle of the Patanazzi Family

(Italian)
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Culture
Italy, Urbino, 16th century
Medium
tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Measurements
Overall: 20.3 x 21 x 12.8 cm (8 x 8 1/4 x 5 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Mather 1945.126
Public Domain
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Location
118 Italian Renaissance
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Did You Know?

During the Renaissance, salt was an expensive commodity and was used to both season and preserve food.

Description

During the Italian Renaissance of the 1400s and 1500s, nobles and merchants eager to express their wealth and sophistication ordered ceramics for dining, display, and storage. Known as maiolica, because it resembled the brightly colored ceramics from the Mediterranean island of Majorca, these ceramic vessels were covered with a tin glaze that provided an opaque white surface on which colorful decoration could be painted.
Two boat-shaped, tin-glazed earthenware saltcellars rest on tiered bases, decorated in a palette of yellow, blue, and green. On each vessel, nude children sit at opposite ends facing outward, holding scalloped shells. A central mask with a wide nose and thick, flowing beard projects from the body, surrounded by scrolling motifs and small figures. The children's skin is tinted yellow, contrasting with the ornate, multicolored patterns across the ceramic forms.

Pair of Saltcellars

c. 1570–90

the Patanazzi Family

(Italian)
Italy, Urbino, 16th century

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