Pharmacy jar (albarello) 1537 - 1547

This "Pharmacy jar (albarello)" was crafted by Masséot Abaquesne between 1537-1547. The jar is a fine example of Renaissance Italian maiolica, featuring a vibrant palette of blue, yellow, and green. The central motif, a woman wearing a laurel wreath, likely symbolizes the medicinal qualities of the contents. Such jars were essential in apothecary shops, used to store and display various medicinal powders, herbs, and ointments. Today, this piece resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of 16th-century Italy.