Object Details
Description
This albarello drug jar is decorated with stylized cobalt blue leaves. The top portion of the albarello, badly cracked and repaired, is decorated with orange–brown leaves. There are two medallions on each side of the container. One is the profile of a man wearing a hat. The second medallion is framed in cobalt blue and white and is inscribed MYRTUS. Myrtus is the common myrtle berry which grows in Southern Europe and North Africa. Over the centuries myrtle was used for ulcers and to strengthen the bones. Throughout Europe myrtle is incorporated into wedding bouquets.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
ID Number
1991.0664.0541
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05753
collector/donor number
SAP 465
catalog number
1991.0664.0541
Object Name
jar
albarello
Physical Description
ceramic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 29 cm x 15.2 cm; 11 13/32 in x 5 31/32 in
attributed to
Italy: Tuscany
Related Publication
Urdang, George and Ferdinand William Nitardy. The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy: A Catalogue of the Collection
Margaret B. Freeman. Herbs for the Mediaeval Household
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
European Apothecary
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Pharmacy
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_993680