Italian maiolica albarello with profile portrait and IHS christogram, 16th century

16th-century Italian maiolica albarello made of tin-glazed earthenware. The characteristically waisted body with a flared rim and base is decorated in blue, yellow, green, and manganese.

The front features a stylized profile portrait within an ornamentally structured pictorial zone. The reverse bears the IHS christogram with a cross in a yellow-ground cartouche, a Christian symbol that gives the vessel a distinctly sacred character. Geometric bands, spiral forms, and other ornamental elements divide the body.

The vibrant coloring and the combination of figurative, geometric, and religious decoration are characteristic of Italian Renaissance maiolica. Albarelli of this form were originally used as containers for storing pharmaceutical substances.

Condition: Commensurate with age, with significant rubbing and glaze losses, particularly to the rim and base, minor chips, as well as age-related discoloration and signs of wear.

Object type:
Albarello / apothecary jar

Epoch / Dating:
16th century

Origin:
Italy

Style:
Renaissance

Material:
Tin-glazed earthenware

Decoration / Technique:
Polychrome painting in cobalt blue, yellow, green, and manganese on tin glaze

Decoration:
Profile portrait, IHS christogram with cross, geometric and ornamental bands

Condition:
Commensurate with age, with glaze losses, rubbing, chips, and signs of wear

Dimensions:
25.5cm x 14cm