Pharmacy Jar (Albarello)
c. 1550–70
Medium
tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Dimensions
28.9 × 16.5 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Decorative Art and Design
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1920.421
Tags
About this artwork
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.
About the Artist
Domenego da Venezia (Italian)
The designation "Italian" in art collections typically refers to an anonymous artist or a loose attribution to works from Italian schools, rather than a specific individual. With 173 known artworks in the museum's collection, this entry likely encompasses paintings by unidentified masters active across various periods, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, or later eras. Early life and personal detail...