Pharmacy jar (albarello) 1540 - 1550

This tin-glazed earthenware albarello, or pharmacy jar, was created by Masséot Abaquesne in Rouen, France. During the 16th century, France, like much of Europe, was grappling with issues of identity, class and representation. In this context, Abaquesne's jar presents a compelling, if ambiguous, image of masculinity. The jar features a painted portrait of a man; his features are sharply defined, perhaps even exaggerated. He wears a hat and a green garment suggesting a particular social status. Yet, his gaze is averted, creating an impression of introspection. This invites us to consider the ways in which identity is not just a matter of outward appearance, but also of inner experience. The jar's function as a pharmaceutical container adds another layer to its meaning. Pharmacies were places of healing, but also of commerce and social exchange. In placing this man's image on a functional object, Abaquesne inserts him into the everyday life of the Renaissance. He presents an alternative narrative of masculinity, one that embraces vulnerability and humanity.