Pharmacy storage jar depicting St John the Baptist

Pharmacy storage jar depicting St John the Baptist

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tin-glazed earthenware pharmacy storage jar, portrait of St. John the Baptist, made at Venice, Italian, 1501-1600

Many Christians have long believed that the saints are able to plead with God on their behalf and that particular saints can give protection against, or help cure, specific illnesses. Painted on the earthenware jar (on the right hand side of the photograph) is the figure of St John the Baptist, who baptised Jesus. St John’s Wort is named after him as the plant is said to flower on the eve of his feast day. The plant was used to treat wounds and is now sometimes used to treat clinical depression. It is shown here with a similar jar depicting St Lawrence (A42578).

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A42497
Materials:
earthenware (tin-glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 272 mm 226 mm, 2.619 kg
type:
storage jar
credit:
Christies