The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of February 3, 2023

Albarello with Two Rabbits

1300s

Spain, Paterna, 14th century

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)

Overall: 22.3 x 9.9 cm (8 3/4 x 3 7/8 in.)

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Humphreys, gift of their daughter Helen 1943.276

Location

110B Late Gothic

Description

This albarello, a cylindrical jar used to store dry medicinal herbs, exemplifies the wares of Paterna, near Valencia. Its decoration is dominated by the crest of the Luna family, Lords of Paterna, under which two rabbits are shown nibbling on a grapevine. These vessels were commonly used in spice stores and hospital pharmacies.

Citations
Cleveland Museum of Art, and Jenifer Neils. The World of Ceramics: Masterpieces from the Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland: The Museum in cooperation with Indiana University Press, 1982. Mentioned and reproduced: p. 35, fig. 37
Gertsman, Elina and Barbara H. Rosenwein. The Middle Ages in 50 Objects. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018. Mentioned: p. 138-141; Reproduced: p. 139
Exhibition history

Exhibition of the Month: Historic Flower Containers. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 31, 1952-March 3, 1953).

Exhibition of the Month: Herbs in Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (May 8-August 1, 1953).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1943.276