Fragment of a jug with a portrait of Christan II, Elector of Saxony c. 1590 - 1620

This is a fragment of a jug with a portrait of Christan II, Elector of Saxony made by an anonymous artist. Notice the striking contrast between the cobalt blue ground and the raised, unglazed stoneware relief. The jug's spherical body is ornamented with sinuous, stylized foliage, encircling a central medallion. Within this medallion, Christian II is depicted in full regalia, holding a shield bearing heraldic symbols. The tactile quality of the stoneware invites a close examination of its materiality and production. The circular composition emphasizes the jug's function as a vessel, and its wholeness and continuity are disrupted by its fragmentation. The contrast of the blue against the grey serves to elevate the portrait of Christian II, placing importance on his status and the symbolism of power. This fragment destabilizes the jug's original purpose, transforming it from a functional object into a study in form, texture, and representation. The jug creates meaning through signs and visual components rooted in cultural codes of hierarchy, power, and artistry.