Decorative Arts & Design
Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)
Permanent ExhibitionCeramicsVessel
Details
- Author / creator
- Domenego da Venezia (Italian)
- Object type
- Ceramics
- Date or period
- c. 1550–70
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 28.9 × 16.5 cm
- Maker or workshop
- Domenego da Venezia
- Period / style
- Renaissance
- Place of origin
- Italy
- Acquisition method
- Donation
- Credit line
- Gift of the Friends of the Ashcombe Museum, 1920
About this object
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.
Materials and technique
Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
