Description
of waisted cylindrical form, painted in dark blue, green and orange with a drug label in gothic script beneath the crest of a cockerel, a pharmacy badge below
Dimensions
14cm high
Footnote
Notes:
The crest may be for the El Gallo pharmacy in Milan.
See 'Catalogo della Rinomata Raccolta di Importanti Maioliche Italiane Venduta per Incario del Proprietario Signor Guy G. Hannaford'. Sale Oct. 17, 1969, lot 48, Sotheby's of London, Firenze.
Literature:
For a similarly shaped and decorated albarello (but not from the same series) see Jeanne Giacomotti, 'Catalogue des Majoliques de Musees Nationaux', (Paris, 1974), p. 241, cat.789.This example is dated '1555.' and attributed to Castel Durante.
See Rudolf E. A. Drey, 'Apothecary Jars', (London, 1978), p.222. According to Drey Philonium Romanum is a '..polypharmaceutical preparation made from opium and other ingredients. Used in the relief of pain and to induce sleep. Named after Philon of Tarsus (first century B.C.), a physician.'