Tankard (schnelle) with scenes from the life of Lazarus c. 1567 - 1590

This is a Tankard, or 'schnelle', made by Anno Knütgen, likely between 1564 and 1583, the years of his birth and death. The stoneware gives a tactile sense of history, while the pewter lid adds a metallic contrast. The relief scenes from the life of Lazarus wrap around the tankard, drawing our eye upward. The composition is structured vertically into distinct panels, each telling a part of Lazarus's story. Knütgen uses line and form to divide space and guide the viewer through the narrative. The pale color and textured surface contribute to a sense of depth. Consider how this design functions beyond mere decoration. The choice of Lazarus's story can be interpreted through a semiotic lens. The narrative—death, resurrection, and faith—serves as a potent symbol of hope, redemption and faith which may have resonated deeply during the Reformation. These embedded cultural codes encourage continuous engagement and diverse interpretations.