Drug jar showing St Matthew, Italy, 1570-1630

Syrup jug, Italian from Deruta Drug jar showing St Matthew, Italy, 1570-1630

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Syrup jug, Italian from Deruta
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

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

Syrup jug, Italian from Deruta, late 16th century or early 17th century, polychrome maiolica, figure of St. Matthew, used syrup of sweet flag

Medieval Christian teaching included the notion that illness and disease were the result of sin. Prayers were said to saints who could plead with God and aid the recovery of devotees.

St Matthew, a Christian saint and apostle, is shown on the left hand jar, which was used to store a plant called sweet flag. Matthew was an apostle and writer of the first Gospel of the New Testament of the Bible. “SPQR” (Senatus Populusque Romanus), the motto of Rome meaning “Senate and People of Rome” is painted on the side. The jar is shown here with a similar example depicting St John (A97372).

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A97373
Materials:
whole, earthenware (tin glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 386 mm 290 mm, 3.33kg
type:
drug jar
credit:
Sotheby's