Pharmacy jar with the Apollo Belvedere and King David

Nicoletto da Modena

ca. 1545–50 · Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The decoration on this jar combines pagan antiquity and biblical history—a common pairing in Renaissance Italy. In one roundel, the Old Testament prophet King David appears playing his harp. On the other side is a lively rendering of the Apollo Belvedere, the ancient marble statue discovered in Rome in 1489. The label—"Conserve with borage"—appears on both sides.

Artist

Nicoletto da Modena

Date

ca. 1545–50

Medium

Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)

Culture

Italian, possibly Castelli

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1946