Caltagirone Maiolica albarello with a bishop saint, early 17th century

Italian maiolica albarello from Sicily, attributed to Caltagirone, early 17th century. The tall, waisted body stands on a molded foot and terminates in a wide, flared rim.

The front depicts a standing saint in episcopal vestments with a miter and crozier within a framed panel. A more precise identification of the depicted saint is not securely possible based on the preserved attributes. The rest of the body is decorated with polychrome ornament in blue, yellow, and green; ribbon-like and vegetal motifs segment the body of the vessel.

The depiction of a saint fits well into the known repertoire of 17th-century Sicilian and particularly Caltagirone maiolica. Comparable Caltagirone albarelli featuring saint figures as well as floral and ornamental decor have been preserved.

On the base is an older collection label inscribed "Caltagirone Iniz. 1600", which documents the traditional attribution to Caltagirone and a dating to the beginning of the 17th century. The label is to be understood as a historical attribution reference, not as a manufacturer's mark.

Condition: Commensurate with age, with significant glaze abrasion, craquelure, discoloration, minor chips, and glaze losses, particularly at the rim and base area

Object type:
Albarello / apothecary jar

Period / Dating:
Early 17th century / beginning of 1600

Origin / Attribution:
Sicily, attributed to Caltagirone

Style:
Early Baroque / late Renaissance tradition

Material:
Tin-glazed earthenware

Decorative painting / Technique:
Polychrome painting in blue, yellow, green, and brown on tin glaze

Decor:
Episcopal saint with miter and crozier, accompanying ornamental and vegetal motifs

Signature / Mark:
Older base label "Caltagirone Iniz. 1600"

Condition:
Commensurate with age, with craquelure, rubbing, glaze losses, and chips

Dimensions:
28cm x 16cm