Ewer

Bernard Palissy|François Briot

late 16th–early 17th century · Lead-glazed earthenware · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The figures in cartouches on the ewer represent Faith, Hope, and Charity. The central figure on the matching basin (see 04.9.20) is of Temperance, surrounded by personifications of the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Around the rim are Minerva and figures symbolizing the seven Liberal Arts: Astronomy, Grammar, Dialectics, Rhetoric, Music, Arithmetic, and Geometry.

Artist

Bernard Palissy|François Briot

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Lead-glazed earthenware

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Julia A. Berwind, 1953