Italy, Venice / c. 1550–70
Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Pharmacy Jar (Albarello) as ceramic (Italy, Venice · c. 1550–70).
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.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) and credits Domenego da Venezia (Italian).
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPharmacy Jar (Albarello)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.