Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)

c. 1550–70

Pharmacy Jar (Albarello), c. 1550–70. Circle of Domenego da Venezia (Italian). Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica); overall: 28.9 x 16.5 cm (11 3/8 x 6 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade 1920.421 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. Featuring a fashionably clad gentleman’s torso, this pharmacy jar displays the coat of arms of the Hercolani family, who made their fortune dealing in textiles for men’s clothing.