Pair of Saltcellars
c. 1570–90
the Patanazzi Family
the Patanazzi Family (Italian)
Decorative Art and Design
Pair of Saltcellars, c. 1570–90. Circle of the Patanazzi Family (Italian). Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica); overall: 20.3 x 21 x 12.8 cm (8 x 8 1/4 x 5 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Mather 1945.126 During the Italian Renaissance of the 1400s and 1500s, nobles and merchants eager to express their wealth and sophistication ordered ceramics for dining, display, and storage. Known as maiolica, because it resembled the brightly colored ceramics from the Mediterranean island of Majorca, these ceramic vessels were covered with a tin glaze that provided an opaque white surface on which colorful decoration could be painted. During the Renaissance, salt was an expensive commodity and was used to both season and preserve food.
- Maker/Artist
- the Patanazzi Family
- Classification
- Ceramic
- Formatted Medium
- tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
- Medium
- tin-glazed, earthenware, maiolica
- Dimensions
- Overall: 20.3 x 21 x 12.8 cm (8 x 8 1/4 x 5 1/16 in.)
- Departments
- Decorative Art and Design
- Accession Number
- 1945.126
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Mather
- Exhibitions
- Classic to Baroque: A Style Change in the Arts, Consuming Passions: The Art of Food and Drink, No legacy exhibitions.
- Rights Statement
- CC0
- Museum Location
- 118 Italian Renaissance
Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?
