Jug

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This maiolica jug was made at Rome in Italy around 1606.

The jug is decorated in polychrome with a saint, possibly St Bernard of Clairvaux, holding a crozier and book within a circular cartouche edged with tongue and dart pattern. The rest of the surface is covered with a symmetrical grotesque design, winged female figures, swags and flags and two sparrows above the cartouche.

St Bernard of Clairvaux is much represented in counter-Reformation painting. As an early Doctor of the Church he may carry a book or the crook-shaped staff of a bishop or abbot. However, he is usually shown wearing the white habit of the Cisterian order.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-104-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1884.44.15
• Date: 1606
  Around 1606
  
• Material: Earthenware
  
• Dimensions: 172 mm H x 165 mm D
  
• What:
• Subject: Ceramics : earthenware : Italy : Rome
  
• Who: Castellani Collection (Previous owner)
  St Bernard of Clairvaux (Depicted (?))
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Maiolica jug decorated in polychrome with a saint in a medallion and with arabesques on white ground: Italian, Rome, 1606
  
• References:
  • Curnow, Celia, Italian Maiolica in the National Museums of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1992 
• Translations:
• Related Records: