Pharmacy jar (albarello) (one of a pair)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The goddess Fortuna is depicted standing astride a sea-monster on each of these five jars (see 53.225.83, .84 and 41.190.343a, b–.345a, b). 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.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art