Art

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.

This wide mouthed waisted drug jar has a yellow square border that frames a scene with a monk kneeling in prayer in front of a tree. The jar bears the text Elect. Rosat. Sol.
Description
This wide mouthed waisted drug jar has a yellow square border that frames a scene with a monk kneeling in prayer in front of a tree. The jar bears the text Elect. Rosat. Sol. The jar would have contained Electuary Rosatus Solutivus, a solution made from rose petals and sweetened with the addition of sugar. The solution was used as an aperient, or appetite stimulant. In a letter dated 7 October 1983, pharmaceutical historian and author Dr. D. A. Wittop Koning speculates that this drug jar is probably not authentic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
16th century
Date made
1756
ID Number
1991.0664.0513
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05725
collector/donor number
SAP 437
catalog number
1991.0664.0513
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
1991.0664.1213
catalog number
1991.0664.1213
accession number
1991.0664
This jar is marked "SEMEN FOENICULI" and "HN" appears on the bottom of the jar. Semen Foeniculi are seeds of the fennel plant. which can be pressed to make oil. They are also used for flavoring, as an anti-microbial, for the expulsion of gas, and for colic in infants.
Description (Brief)
This jar is marked "SEMEN FOENICULI" and "HN" appears on the bottom of the jar. Semen Foeniculi are seeds of the fennel plant. which can be pressed to make oil. They are also used for flavoring, as an anti-microbial, for the expulsion of gas, and for colic in infants. George Urdang author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue 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 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0783
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 707
catalog number
1991.0664.0783
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with red and yellow flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The alchemical symbols for spirits, salt, and herbs are marked in black just above ANIS. ANIS would have referred to the plant anise hyssop (herb), steeped in an alcohol solution (spirit), with the ash of plant (salt) mixed into the solution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0353
catalog number
M-05503
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 214
catalog number
1991.0664.0353
A cast mortar with two applied square handles. The mouth of the vessel is flared and has a decorated band of alternating fleur-de-leis, gothic letters and leaves. Three raised rings are at the center of the body. The base of the mortar is formed by three graduated disks.
Description
A cast mortar with two applied square handles. The mouth of the vessel is flared and has a decorated band of alternating fleur-de-leis, gothic letters and leaves. Three raised rings are at the center of the body. The base of the mortar is formed by three graduated disks. A small circular copper disk has been placed in the bottom of the mortar to cover a hole. Marked "anno domini M CCCC L." Testing the metal content with an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer concluded that the predominate material to be copper. The turned pestle has rounded ends.
Urdang and Nitardy catalogued this mortar as French. However, in a letter dated 13 April 1954 to George Urdang at the American Institute for the History of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin, George Griffenhagen Associate Curator in the Division of Medicine writes that the Spanish historian of pharmacy G. Folch Jou believes this mortar to be of Dutch origin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1474
ID Number
1991.0664.0097
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05650
collector/donor number
SAP 362
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 PULV FOL MENTH PIP in black text.
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 PULV FOL MENTH PIP in black text. The jar would have contained pulverized Folliae Mentha Piperita, or pulverized peppermint leaves. Peppermint leaves were used as an antispasmodic and to relieve flatulence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0379
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05528
collector/donor number
SAP 240
catalog number
1991.0664.0379
This square shaped blown and molded glass apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked EL UTERINUM C..Currently not on view
Description
This square shaped blown and molded glass apothecary jar has a baked enamel label marked EL UTERINUM C..
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0205
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05353
collector/donor number
SAP 62
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
1991.0664.1153
catalog number
1991.0664.1153
accession number
1991.0664
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
1991.0664.1227
catalog number
1991.0664.1227
accession number
1991.0664
This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora.
Description
This syrup jar has an applied strap handle and a spout supported by an entwined strap. The round metal lid is not original to the container. The jar is decorated with cobalt blue scroll–like vines and stylized flora. Just below the spout is a blue, yellow, and white shield with a yellow lion standing on one hind leg. The escroll is inscribed in cobalt blue, SY D ABSINTIO which would have contained Absinthum, Absinthium or Syrup of Wormwood. Leaves and the tops of flowers of the wormwood plant were used to make this tonic, which was taken for a variety of stomach ailments and as a cure for intestinal worms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1600
Date made
1600 - 1625
ID Number
1991.0664.0502
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05714
1991.0664.0502.01
1991.0664.0502.02
collector/donor number
SAP 426
This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.Currently not on view
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flat collar. The glass container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. The label is marked in black SP SAL CRUD.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0215
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05363
collector/donor number
SAP 72
catalog number
1991.0664.0215
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC DIATART M in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. Its white baked enamel label is framed by a baroque–style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads SPEC DIATART M in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Species Diatartari Mynsichti.” Adrian von Mynsicht (1603–1638) was a German alchemist who introduced tartar emetic into medical practice. “Species” refers to a powder often used in teas. This medicine would have been a tea made from the cream of tartar using Mynsicht’s formulation. The tea was used as a cathartic to speed bowel movement and an antiscorbutic to combat scurvy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0336
catalog number
M-05485
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 179
catalog number
1991.0664.0336
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
1991.0664.1189
catalog number
1991.0664.1189
accession number
1991.0664
This square shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.The European Apothecary Collection contains dozens of drug jars with this same embellishment.
Description
This square shaped glass bottle has a baked enamel label marked SPIR MATRICAL. Matricaria contains the leaves of the Feverfew plant, a European herb.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0244
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05392
collector/donor number
SAP 101
catalog number
1991.0664.0244
This albarello has a yellow baroque shield framing the image of a saint. In the saint’s left hand is a cross and a palm frond. In his right hand the saint is holding the leash of a dog (possibly a lamb).
Description
This albarello has a yellow baroque shield framing the image of a saint. In the saint’s left hand is a cross and a palm frond. In his right hand the saint is holding the leash of a dog (possibly a lamb). The palm frond symbolizes the saint was a martyr, and the inclusion of the dog or lamb points to a variety of saints associated with healing and animals including Saint Roch, Saint Hubert of Liege, Saint Catherine of Siena, or Saint Agnes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0572
catalog number
M-05784
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 496
catalog number
1991.0664.0572
This widemouthed blown glass jar has a flattened collar and an applied round foot. The jar is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche framed by blue stylized vines and topped by a yellow crown.
Description
This widemouthed blown glass jar has a flattened collar and an applied round foot. The jar is decorated with a baked enamel white cartouche framed by blue stylized vines and topped by a yellow crown. Marked CRUD/ PP it bears two alchemical symbol for Antimony and the abbreviation for prepared. The jar is pictured on page 18 in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0159
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05307
1991.0664.0159
collector/donor number
SAP 16
This square-shaped bottle is marked SPIR CORN CERV RECTIT.Currently not on view
Description
This square-shaped bottle is marked SPIR CORN CERV RECTIT.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0254
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05402
collector/donor number
SAP 111
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
1991.0664.1242
catalog number
1991.0664.1242
accession number
1991.0664
This vase-shaped drug jar has a turned wooden lid painted red. The blue and yellow baroque-style baked enamel label has been left blank. for the apothecary. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs.
Description
This vase-shaped drug jar has a turned wooden lid painted red. The blue and yellow baroque-style baked enamel label has been left blank. for the apothecary. Containers with blank labels could be filled with different ingredients depending on the apothecary's needs. When the contents of the jars were replaced, apothecary would write the appropriate name in the medallion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0467
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05616
collector/donor number
SAP 328
catalog number
1991.0664.0467.01
1991.0664.0467.02
"SEMEN ANETHI" also known as Dill seeds has for centuries been used as a culinary ingredient. Dill is also used medicinally for jaundice, headache and lack of appetite.
Description (Brief)
"SEMEN ANETHI" also known as Dill seeds has for centuries been used as a culinary ingredient. Dill is also used medicinally for jaundice, headache and lack of appetite. George Urdang author of the The Squibb Ancient Catalogue 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
1991.0664.0786
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 710
catalog number
1991.0664.0786
A portrait of Carolus Clusius (also know as Charles de l'Escluse). Born in Arras in 1526, Clusius was a Flemish doctor and horticulturists. He was prefect of the imperial medical garden in Vienna under Maximilian II and professor at the University of Leiden.
Description
A portrait of Carolus Clusius (also know as Charles de l'Escluse). Born in Arras in 1526, Clusius was a Flemish doctor and horticulturists. He was prefect of the imperial medical garden in Vienna under Maximilian II and professor at the University of Leiden. He helped create the Hortus Academicus, one of the earliest formal botanical garden.
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Clusius, Carolus
ID Number
1991.0664.0051
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06226
collector/donor number
SAP 919
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
1991.0664.1252
catalog number
1991.0664.1252
accession number
1991.0664
The baked enamel label of this drug jar is marked SP LILLIOR CONV in red and black. LILLIOR CONV or Convallium Lilliorum is the plant Lilly of the Valley. It has been used as a cardiac stimulant similar to digitalis.
Description (Brief)
The baked enamel label of this drug jar is marked SP LILLIOR CONV in red and black. LILLIOR CONV or Convallium Lilliorum is the plant Lilly of the Valley. It has been used as a cardiac stimulant similar to digitalis. It was also used for gout, as a diuretic, laxative and antispasmodic. If ingested the plant can be very toxic.
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle was made for the Moor Apothecary in Mainz, Germany in the Rhine River Valley. According to George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue the initials "CR" within the blue medallion at the bottom of the jar stand for the shop’s owner Casper Ritter. The small black figure to the left of the medallion is a moor, the symbol of the Moor Apothecary.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0222
catalog number
M-05370
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 79
This is a straight walled pewter drug canister with a lid. The body has two round handles that are soldered to the body, and the lid has a round flattened finial. The engraved decoration on the canister creates a cartouche of leaves and scrolls topped by a crown.
Description
This is a straight walled pewter drug canister with a lid. The body has two round handles that are soldered to the body, and the lid has a round flattened finial. The engraved decoration on the canister creates a cartouche of leaves and scrolls topped by a crown. The center of the cartouche is inscribed with the merchant’s mark, a reversed numeral four incorporated with the initials G H M. Above the cartouche the canister is marked “MACIS: BIL: GE.” Mace or Macis is the dried red outer coating of the Nutmeg seed. In addition to its use as a flavoring for foods Mace was used as a narcotic, astringent, aromatic tonic and to curb diarrhea.
The three hallmarks inside the lid are not very legible. With the aid of a high-powered Leica microscope it is possible to see what appears to be two identical maker marks and the town mark. The maker mark is a horse standing on three legs carrying a banner within a scalloped shield. The initials directly above the horse may possibly be I. G. H.
The town mark is a scalloped shield with three towers, the tallest in the middle. All three towers have long vertical windows. The area below the towers is not legible. Both the makers and town marks look very similar to marks used in the eastern Germanic towns and cities of the 18th century.
George Urdang identified the material used to make the canister as heavy tin which may be another term for pewter.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0893
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06103
collector/donor number
SAP 815
catalog number
1991.0664.0893

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