Art

Panorama of the Army of the Cumberland

The National Museum of American History is not an art museum. But works of art fill its collections and testify to the vital place of art in everyday American life. The ceramics collections hold hundreds of examples of American and European art glass and pottery. Fashion sketches, illustrations, and prints are part of the costume collections. Donations from ethnic and cultural communities include many homemade religious ornaments, paintings, and figures. The Harry T Peters "America on Stone" collection alone comprises some 1,700 color prints of scenes from the 1800s. The National Quilt Collection is art on fabric. And the tools of artists and artisans are part of the Museum's collections, too, in the form of printing plates, woodblock tools, photographic equipment, and potters' stamps, kilns, and wheels.

Topic: Pharmacy

PULV ANTISP RUB

This jar is marked PULV ANTISP RUB. It is free blown glass with a flattened collar and an applied round foot.
Description
This jar is marked PULV ANTISP RUB. It is free blown glass with a flattened collar and an applied round foot. The clear glass container is decorated with a baked enamel cartouche bearing a white medallion that is framed by blue stylized leaves and ribbons, and topped by a crown
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0167
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05315
1991.0664.0167
collector/donor number
SAP 24

POMA AURANTIOR

This jar is marked "POMA AURANTIOR". Aurantium are oranges used for flavoring, as a tonic and as an anti-spasmodic.
Description (Brief)
This jar is marked "POMA AURANTIOR". Aurantium are oranges used for flavoring, as a tonic and as an anti-spasmodic. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes the containers 1991.0664.0760 through 1991.0664.0825 to Hanau in the late 18th century based on the floral design surrounding the medallion and the initials "HN" on the bottom of many of the jars in the series. However, in a letter to museum curators dated August 1983, the pharmaceutical historian Wolfgang-Hagen Hein wrote that the containers without initials and those marked "FH" were made in Florsheim in the German state of Hesse twenty-three miles southwest of Hanau.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0793
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.0793

Albarello

This albarello is painted with the image of a blue bird on a yellow background with green foliage and blue flowers. A white diagonal scroll reads Ilelrosa.exfo. in blue.An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica.
Description
This albarello is painted with the image of a blue bird on a yellow background with green foliage and blue flowers. A white diagonal scroll reads Ilelrosa.exfo. in blue.
An albarello is a type of jar made from tin-glazed earthenware known as Majolica. This type of jar was used in apothecary shops from the time of the Middle Ages. Majolica pottery received its name from the Italian town of Majorca, where this style of earthenware was developed. The tin glaze of majolica resulted in an opaque whiteness that mimics porcelain. The jar would then be painted with vivid colors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
Date made
1500 - 1599
ID Number
1991.0664.0531
catalog number
M-05743
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 455
catalog number
1991.0664.0531

LAP, CANCR

This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flared lip, an applied foot, and a baked enamel cartouche. The white shield is framed by blue stylized leaves and a yellow ribbon and capped by a crown.
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flared lip, an applied foot, and a baked enamel cartouche. The white shield is framed by blue stylized leaves and a yellow ribbon and capped by a crown. It is marked LAP, CANCR, above the abbreviation PPT (prepared) which has two lines running horizontally through the stems.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0176
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05324
1991.0664.0176
collector/donor number
SAP 33

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0940
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06336
collector/donor number
SAP 1028
catalog number
1991.0664.0940

AG ANALETIC

This square shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a baked enamel shield marked AG ANALETIC. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped blown and molded glass bottle has a baked enamel shield marked AG ANALETIC. The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment. The generic blue and yellow decoration with its stylized crown above the cartouche is similar to glass drug jars in the collection of the Deutsche Apotheken Museum in Heidelberg, Germany. This bottle is pictured on page 24, in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0235
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05383
collector/donor number
SAP 92
catalog number
1991.0664.0255.01
1991.0664.0255.02

Chemicals

Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”Currently not on view
Description
Three round-cut glass containers filled with unknown chemicals. Bottle number 341 has "Bray" etched into the bottom of the jar. Bottle number 342 is marked "COD.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0979.01
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06375
collector/donor number
SAP 1067
catalog number
1991.0664.0979.01

Dees Aap Zwetstop Zyn Zalve

Satirical print of medical charlatans. The “M. Pool excu. Amsterdam” inscription refers to the Dutch artist, Matthijs Pool (1676-1740).Currently not on view
Description
Satirical print of medical charlatans. The “M. Pool excu. Amsterdam” inscription refers to the Dutch artist, Matthijs Pool (1676-1740).
Location
Currently not on view
artist
Pool, M (atthys)?
ID Number
1991.0664.0010
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 963

APOBL

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a flared lip and glass stopper. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The label is marked with the alchemical symbol for spirits and APOBL in black text.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0381
catalog number
M-05530
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 242
catalog number
1991.0664.0381

Retort

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0995
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06391
collector/donor number
SAP 1083

Prescription Label, Adler Apotheke von F. W. Weber

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
ID Number
1991.0664.1164
catalog number
1991.0664.1164
accession number
1991.0664

Christian Wilhelm Hufeland

Lithographed portrait of Christian Wilhelm Hufeland (1762-1836), an accomplished Geman physician and naturopath.Currently not on view
Description
Lithographed portrait of Christian Wilhelm Hufeland (1762-1836), an accomplished Geman physician and naturopath.
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Hufeland, Christian Wilhelm
ID Number
1991.0664.0025
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 935

Mortar

Short, squat, cast bronze mortar with a flared mouth. Four buttress columns alternate between the head of a woman. Urdang suggests the mortar is 16th century spanish and that the face is that of Medusa.Currently not on view
Description
Short, squat, cast bronze mortar with a flared mouth. Four buttress columns alternate between the head of a woman. Urdang suggests the mortar is 16th century spanish and that the face is that of Medusa.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0104
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05657
collector/donor number
SAP 369

SIR DI CORALL

This syrup jar has an applied handle that is decorated with a cross supported by two arms. The body of the jar is marked “SIR DI CORALLI.” The jar likely contained syrup of coral.
Description
This syrup jar has an applied handle that is decorated with a cross supported by two arms. The body of the jar is marked “SIR DI CORALLI.” The jar likely contained syrup of coral. Coral was used for centuries to treat a variety of ills, including but not limited to, the reduction of fever; the prevention of bleeding in pregnant women; the relief of gastric pain; and the protection of infants from convulsions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0613
catalog number
M-05825
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 537
catalog number
1991.0664.0613

Prescription Label, Lowen Apotheke in Essen am Markt

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1122
catalog number
1991.0664.1122
accession number
1991.0664

UNG.POPVLEON

This albarello-shaped-drug jar from the same pottery as 1991.0664.554 but in better condition. The glazes appear to be the same and the images are similar, but not identical. The escroll on the lower shoulder is marked UNG.POPVLEON.Currently not on view
Description
This albarello-shaped-drug jar from the same pottery as 1991.0664.554 but in better condition. The glazes appear to be the same and the images are similar, but not identical. The escroll on the lower shoulder is marked UNG.POPVLEON.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0555
catalog number
M-05767
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 479

Prescription Label, Adler Apotheke bei G v Hees in Barmen

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1173
catalog number
1991.0664.1173
accession number
1991.0664

Syrup Jar

This syrup jar has a straight spout and strap handle. It has light blue decoration and manganese-colored gothic script across the center. A second label applied in the cold paint technique is surrounded by green leaves on the lower shoulder and reads Farin.S.Lino.
Description (Brief)
This syrup jar has a straight spout and strap handle. It has light blue decoration and manganese-colored gothic script across the center. A second label applied in the cold paint technique is surrounded by green leaves on the lower shoulder and reads Farin.S.Lino. This second label indicates the jar was used at a later date and contained a mixture of wheat or flour (Farina) and linseed oil (Linosa) to be used for skin irritations. The number 43 has been painted on the bottom of the foot.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0611
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 535
catalog number
1991.0664.0611

TINCT LUNAE

This square-shaped bottle is marked TINCT LUNAE.Currently not on view
Description
This square-shaped bottle is marked TINCT LUNAE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0255
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05403
collector/donor number
SAP 112

Apothecary Jar, RESIN L SANC

This albarello-shaped, blown green glass drug jar has a paper cover securred to its neck with string. The jar's label is applied with the "cold paint" method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved.
Description
This albarello-shaped, blown green glass drug jar has a paper cover securred to its neck with string. The jar's label is applied with the "cold paint" method. Unlike the enamel labels, there is no baking involved. Therefore it is not unusual to find the label has been badly scratched and suffered severe paint losses. The decoration appears as an upside down heart outlined in red with a stylized flower at the top. The label is marked in black and red RESIN/L SANCT. The paper cover is marked in ink, but the writing is very faint but appears to be "Refina lignla lancti factilia."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0347
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05496
collector/donor number
SAP 208
catalog number
1991.0664.0347

drug jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1098.67
catalog number
1991.0664.1098.67
accession number
1991.0664

Syrup Jar

This syrup jar is decorated with blue arches or false gadroons. In Apothecary Jars by Rudolf Drey, a similar jar to 1991.0664.0648 through 1991.0664.0664, is illustrated, and attributed to Savona, a seaport town in northern Italy which uses a similar blue and manganese pallet.
Description (Brief)
This syrup jar is decorated with blue arches or false gadroons. In Apothecary Jars by Rudolf Drey, a similar jar to 1991.0664.0648 through 1991.0664.0664, is illustrated, and attributed to Savona, a seaport town in northern Italy which uses a similar blue and manganese pallet. A portrait of a woman with short curly hair secured with a blue band is painted on to the base of the applied strap handle. The label reads Ol d Menta. Menta or Mentha is a mint medicinal used to treat stomach aches and chest pains.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0659
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 583
catalog number
1991.0664.0659

Prescription Label, apotheke zum Lowen in Mannnheim von Dr. Hirschbrunn

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment.
Description (Brief)
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Collection has over two hundred early prescription labels from dozens of apothecaries across Germany and Austria. Early labels were plain and without adornment. Later embellishments included decorative borders, images of animals such as stags, lions, or elephants associated with the name of the apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.1139
catalog number
1991.0664.1139
accession number
1991.0664

jar

This wide mouth drug jar has a waisted body with rounded shoulders. The yellow-gold cartouche frames the portrait of a woman in profile, her hand reaching up and holding onto a C-scroll.
Description
This wide mouth drug jar has a waisted body with rounded shoulders. The yellow-gold cartouche frames the portrait of a woman in profile, her hand reaching up and holding onto a C-scroll. The cartouche and flanking C-scrolls are surrounded by realistically painted blue and yellow flowers on thin green stems and elongated leaves.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th Century
ID Number
1991.0664.0573
collector/donor number
SAP 497
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05785

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