Pharmacy jar: C.2184-1928

Maker(s)

Potter: Maestro Mariotto da Gubbio

Entities

• Pharmacy jar
• Maiolica
• drug pot

Categories

• Tin-glazed earthenware

Description

Maiolica pharmacy jar, painted in blue, green, yellow, and grey, with a label on the front inscribed `PILL=IARIE' (with abbreviations over L and AR) , the date '1541' and the badge of the Celestine Order or of the monastery of Santo Spirito da Sulmona.

Squat albarello with waisted sides, short neck, and everted rim. The lower part is narrower than the shoulder and the sides curve outwards slightly at the base. Tin-glazed earthenware painted in dark blue, green, yellow, and grey. Across the front is a label inscribed 'PILL=IARIE' (with abbreviations over the L and AR) with below, three debased trophies, and above, on a badge, an 'S' surmounted by a patriarchal cross flanked by trophies, surrounded by a garland of leaves, fruits and flowers with ribbons on each side. The back of the neck is dated '1541'.

Notes

History note: Countess Howard de Walden; Thomas Sutton, Eastbourne, from whom purchased in February 1900 by Dr J.W.L. Glaisher, Trinity College, Cambridge

Legal notes

Dr J.W.L. Glaisher Bequest

Place(s) associated

• Castel Durante ⪼ The Marches
• Gubbio ⪼ Umbria

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1928) by Glaisher, J. W. L., Dr

Dating

16th Century, Mid
Production date: AD 1541 : dated

Note

Made either in Gubbio or Castel Durante by Maestro Mariotto da Gubbio. A notarial record of 1523 mentions that Mariotto, nephew of the potter Filippo Sabatini, was taken into the employment of Maestro Giorgio of Gubbio for one year. Mariotto and his uncle were members of the Floris or De Floribus family of potters who were recorded in Gubbio between 1476 and 1642. The style of the decoration has traditionally been associated with Castel Durante, and it is possible that Mariotto moved there or elsewhere, which would account for the 'da Gubbio' after his name on a jar from the set in the V. & A. Museum.

School or Style

Renaissance