Lidded pharmacy jar with the personification of Fortuna
The goddess Fortuna is depicted standing astride a sea-monster on each of these five jars (see 41.190.343a, b–.345a, b and 53.225.83, .84). She is likely a symbol identifying the pharmacy to which the objects belonged. It is clear from subtle differences in the decoration that a number of artists were involved in making this set. On the three lidded jars, the roundel creates an illusion of a window opening onto a deep pictorial space. The painters have achieved an ambitious perspectival view—more impressive still on the two vessels with convex surfaces. On one, there is an amusing modification to the representation of Fortuna, who puckers her lips to blow wind into her own sail. The three lids are original, a rare survival.
Artwork Details
- Title: Lidded pharmacy jar with the personification of Fortuna
- Date: 1579
- Culture: Italian, probably Pesaro
- Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
- Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 16 × 10 × 10 in. (40.6 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
- Credit Line: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
- Object Number: 41.190.344a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.