Monk Carrying Woman
Early 17th century
Medium
Lead-glazed earthenware
Dimensions
21.3 × 9.9 × 9.1 cm (8 3/8 × 3 7/8 × 3 9/16 in.)
Classification
earthenware
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
6460
Art Historical Context
Created by Avon Pottery in the early 17th century "Monk Carrying Woman" is a compact lead-glazed earthenware sculpture measuring just over eight inches tall. This small figurative piece belongs to the Applied Arts of Europe collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, reflecting the era’s interest in narrative ceramic figures that blended everyday observation with storytelling. Lead-glazed earthenware was prized in Europe for its ability to produce a smooth, colorful surface that highlighted expressive details. Artisans used this accessible medium to create affordable yet lively works that cou...