Storage jar (albarello) for mostarda

Unknown

dated 1543 · Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In addition to medicines and small household items, Renaissance pharmacies also sold candies, spices, and condiments, such as the pickled fruit jelly (mostarda) that once filled this jar. The decoration of this albarello includes a surprise that would be visible only when the jar was taken from the shelf and placed upon the counter: a still life on the back depicting the tools necessary for the preparation of the mostarda.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1543

Medium

Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941