← Neapolitan 15th Century

The sculpture is a cylindrical jar with an illustrated profile of a human head. The depiction includes stylized black hair and a finely detailed facial profile painted in a light blue or gray tone. The jar is made from ceramic material, predominantly gray with decorative elements and the head in shades of blue and rust-orange. The word "MITRIANO" is inscribed vertically beside the profile in dark blue letters. The form of the jar is slightly waisted, with a flared rim and base, suggesting it is designed as an apothecary or storage container. Decorative bands at the top and bottom emphasize its design, combining functionality with artistry.

Albarello with a portrait of a youth (Mitriano)

Neapolitan 15th Century · Italian

c. 1480

Medium
tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Classification
Decorative Art
Period
1401 to 1500
Image size
7489 × 9434px

Description

The sculpture is a cylindrical jar with an illustrated profile of a human head. The depiction includes stylized black hair and a finely detailed facial profile painted in a light blue or gray tone. The jar is made from ceramic material, predominantly gray with decorative elements and the head in shades of blue and rust-orange. The word "MITRIANO" is inscribed vertically beside the profile in dark blue letters. The form of the jar is slightly waisted, with a flared rim and base, suggesting it is designed as an apothecary or storage container. Decorative bands at the top and bottom emphasize its design, combining functionality with artistry.

Rights & Source

Open access image from the National Gallery of Art, released under its open access program. Metadata via the NGA Open Data Program (CC0).

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