Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

The Metropolitan Museum of Art


    • Wine Cistern, ca. 1562
    Manufactured by the factory of Orazio Fontana, Urbino, Italy
    Tin-glazed earthenware (majolica)

    H. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm)
    The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931 (32.100.362)

    The battle with elephants depicted in the interior of the basin is probably after a design by Taddeo Zuccaro (1529–1566). Cisterns such as this were used at large feasts or banquets to keep wine cool. The cistern would be filled with cold water and the wine receptables placed inside.

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  • Wine Cistern, ca. 1562
    Manufactured by the factory of Orazio Fontana, Urbino, Italy
    Tin-glazed earthenware (majolica)

    H. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm)
    The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931 (32.100.362)