The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

Terracotta in Seicento Rome: Bozzetti, Modelli, Models, and Copies

In conjunction with the exhibition Bernini: Sculpting in Clay (on view October 3, 2012–January 6, 2013), Jennifer Montagu, Honorary Fellow, The Warburg Institute, London University, outlines the history of bozzetti, modelli, and copies by various sculptors, including Bernini. Preliminary models were used by sculptors to sketch their designs, but sometimes, artists used the work of assistants or even other artists in order to create their full-scale sculptures.

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Pharmacy jar

Date:: ca. 1500–1520
Culture:: Italian, perhaps Siena
Medium:: Maiolica (tin-enameled earthenware)
Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed): H. 12 3/4 x W. 11 3/8 x D. 10 3/4 in. (32.4 x 28.9 x 27.3 cm)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
Accession Number:: 41.190.68

This artwork is not on display

Description

Jars such as this were found in apothecary shops, filled with the product described on the cartouche, in this case "Lactuce [con]diti," possibly a form of preserved lettuce ("Lattuga"), or a plant with sedative powers, Lactusa virosa.
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Inscription: In Gothic characters, "LACTUCE QDITI".
Provenance

George and Florence Blumenthal (before 1926–41; his bequest to MMA)
See also
What
Ceramics (29,320)

Vessels (21,921)

Pottery (12,856)

Earthenware (6,696)

Jars (4,427)

Maiolica (565)
Where
Europe (148,586)

Italy (20,983)

Tuscany (1,162)

Siena (547)
When
A.D. 1400-1600 (20,545)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)