Ewer

Unknown

late 15th century · Silver gilt, enamel, and paint · The Cloisters

These ewers have long been thought to be the pair mentioned in the 1526 and 1585 inventories of the Teutonic Knights. Both are unmarked, and the attribution to Nuremberg is based on stylistic comparisons, such as that of the small cast figures against the buttresses to similar examples by the Nuremberg goldsmith Sebastian Lindenast the Elder. The enameled and painted wild men, reminiscent of those in Albrecht Dürer's compositions, are heraldic supporters but may also be understood as symbols of virility and procreation.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 15th century

Medium

Silver gilt, enamel, and paint

Culture

German

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1953