Apothecary bottle (fiasca da farmacia)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530–40
Medium
Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
Dimensions
Height: 9 5/8 in. (24.5cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Pottery
Culture
Italian, Castelli
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1042
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant apothecary bottle, known as a *fiasca da farm*, hails from Castelli, Italy, around 1530–40, a golden era for maiolica production during the Renaissance. Crafted tin-glazed earthenware, stands just 9 5/8 inches (24.5 cm) tall, designed for practical use in pharmacies to store medicines, oils, or herbal remedies. Castelli was renowned for its vibrant ceramics, blending utility with artistry, and this piece exemplifies the region's mastery in creating durable yet beautifully decorated vessels. The tin glaze technique was revolutionary, providing a smooth, white surface ideal for viv...