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: European Apothecary

Prescription Label, Apotheke in Schwelm C. H. Petersen

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
1991.0664.1218
catalog number
1991.0664.1218
accession number
1991.0664

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
1991.0664.0938
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06334
collector/donor number
SAP 1026
catalog number
1991.0664.0938

TAMARINDI

This urn–shaped drug jar has a round foot and domed lid. The jar has a white tin glaze with blue swags and vines at the neck and inscription. The jar is marked, “TAMARINDI.” Tamarindus is the fruit of the tree Tamardindus indica.
Description
This urn–shaped drug jar has a round foot and domed lid. The jar has a white tin glaze with blue swags and vines at the neck and inscription. The jar is marked, “TAMARINDI.” Tamarindus is the fruit of the tree Tamardindus indica. The pulp, leaves, and bark are used for medicinal purposes including the relief of fever and indigestion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0712
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05924
collector/donor number
SAP 636
catalog number
1991.0664.0712.01
1991.0664.0712.02

Apothecary Jar

This cylindrical tin-glazed apothecary jar with a straight wall and a flat shoulder is divided into three sections depicting different religious scenes. One section portrays Saint Jerome dressed in magnesium colored robes praying before a cross, and human skull mounted on rocks.
Description (Brief)
This cylindrical tin-glazed apothecary jar with a straight wall and a flat shoulder is divided into three sections depicting different religious scenes. One section portrays Saint Jerome dressed in magnesium colored robes praying before a cross, and human skull mounted on rocks. In the second section Saint Jerome again? is seen with angles peering down from the heavens. The saint in kneeling before a table covered with a green cloth. Behind him is a balustrade with a vase of flowers. The third section depicts Mary and Joseph walking with Jesus as a little boy. Each section is divided by yellow and blue vertical bands and green leaves. Above the shoulder are several bands of interconnecting scroll designs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1625 - 1675
ID Number
1991.0664.0524
catalog number
M-05736
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 448

Counter Irritation Device

This long ebony and ivory instrument is known as The Lebenswecker or "Awakener of Life". The cap to the instrument protects about thirty steel needles which punctured the skin causing inflammation or irritation. Afterwards oil would be applied to the wounds.
Description (Brief)
This long ebony and ivory instrument is known as The Lebenswecker or "Awakener of Life". The cap to the instrument protects about thirty steel needles which punctured the skin causing inflammation or irritation. Afterwards oil would be applied to the wounds. Counter irritation is an old technique but was popularized in the nineteenth century by the Prussian Carl Baunscheidt and his Lebenswecker.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0990
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 1078
catalog number
1991.0664.0990

CORTEX QUERCUS

This drug jar is marked CORTEX QUERCUS. Cortex Quercus is the bark from the North American White Oak.
Description
This drug jar is marked CORTEX QUERCUS. Cortex Quercus is the bark from the North American White Oak. It can be made into a astringent, tonic and used as an antiseptic.
Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1810
Date made
1775 - 1799
ID Number
1991.0664.0820
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 744
catalog number
1991.0664.0820

Apothecary Jar

This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flat collar, and round foot, and is marked Marked SEDLIC below an alchemical symbol for salt. This jar is pictured on page 18, in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.Currently not on view
Description
This wide mouth blown glass jar has a flat collar, and round foot, and is marked Marked SEDLIC below an alchemical symbol for salt. This jar is pictured on page 18, in the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0150
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05298
collector/donor number
SAP 7

Ung: Basilicon

This baluster–shaped drug jar has a white background with two continuous rings of blue, orange, and yellow stylized flowers encircling the container at the top and bottom. The foot has a scalloped rim and a vine of tiny flowers and leaves.
Description
This baluster–shaped drug jar has a white background with two continuous rings of blue, orange, and yellow stylized flowers encircling the container at the top and bottom. The foot has a scalloped rim and a vine of tiny flowers and leaves. The lid is flat and round, with an applied vine and red fruit handle. The waist of the jar bears the text “Ung Basilicon.” Unguentum basilicon, or basilicon ointment, was also known as “sovereign ointment.” The ointment had a few different recipes, but generally consisted of yellow wax, refined fat, resin, and olive oil. The ointment was used as a vulnerary ointment to remove corrupted blood from wounds, and as an emollient.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0681
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05893
1991.0664.0681.01
1991.0664.0681.02
collector/donor number
SAP 605

Prescription Label, Apotheke von W. Rcmmerich in Erkrath

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
1846-01-17
ID Number
1991.0664.1332
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.1332

OXIMEL

This syrup jar has a straight spout and an applied slab handle. In a monochrome palette of blue on blue it is decorated with flora and fauna motifs. The interior of the escrol is marked OXIMEL, a preparation used as cough medicine.
Description
This syrup jar has a straight spout and an applied slab handle. In a monochrome palette of blue on blue it is decorated with flora and fauna motifs. The interior of the escrol is marked OXIMEL, a preparation used as cough medicine. The active drug was mixed with vinegar and honey. The recipe varies according to the active ingredients introduced into the mixture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0636
catalog number
M-05848
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.063
M-05848 ?

Mortar and Pestle

Wide mouth mortar with two dolphin handles applied at the waist. The body of the mortar has two bands of rosettes, leaves, vines and the profile of a mans face. The brass mortar has rounded ends. Urdang attributes this mortar to 17th century France.Currently not on view
Description
Wide mouth mortar with two dolphin handles applied at the waist. The body of the mortar has two bands of rosettes, leaves, vines and the profile of a mans face. The brass mortar has rounded ends. Urdang attributes this mortar to 17th century France.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0112.01
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05665.01
collector/donor number
SAP 377
catalog number
1991.0664.0112.01

Prescription Label, Apotheke in Trarbach von Pfeiffer

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
1991.0664.1245
catalog number
1991.0664.1245
accession number
1991.0664

Leonhardus Fuchsius

Woodcut portrait of Leonhart Fuchs (1501-1566), a physician, botanist, and professor at the University of Tübingen.Currently not on view
Description
Woodcut portrait of Leonhart Fuchs (1501-1566), a physician, botanist, and professor at the University of Tübingen.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0047
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06225
collector/donor number
SAP 918

ELL LENITIVO

This albarello has a matte glaze with a central decoration of a crane on one leg inside a golden shield. The top of the jar bears a heart shaped symbol topped by a cross, with an “A” in the center. This mark likely denoted the apothecary that owned the jar.
Description
This albarello has a matte glaze with a central decoration of a crane on one leg inside a golden shield. The top of the jar bears a heart shaped symbol topped by a cross, with an “A” in the center. This mark likely denoted the apothecary that owned the jar. The jar is marked “ELL LENITIVO” and would have contained a lenitive electuary, a paste that was used as a laxative.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0618
catalog number
M-05830
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 542
catalog number
1991.0664.0618

Prescription Label, Apotheketi Solvitsborg

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
1991.0664.1322
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.1322

MYRTUS

This albarello drug jar is decorated with stylized cobalt blue leaves. The top portion of the albarello, badly cracked and repaired, is decorated with orange–brown leaves. There are two medallions on each side of the container. One is the profile of a man wearing a hat.
Description
This albarello drug jar is decorated with stylized cobalt blue leaves. The top portion of the albarello, badly cracked and repaired, is decorated with orange–brown leaves. There are two medallions on each side of the container. One is the profile of a man wearing a hat. The second medallion is framed in cobalt blue and white and is inscribed MYRTUS. Myrtus is the common myrtle berry which grows in Southern Europe and North Africa. Over the centuries myrtle was used for ulcers and to strengthen the bones. Throughout Europe myrtle is incorporated into wedding bouquets.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0541
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05753
collector/donor number
SAP 465
catalog number
1991.0664.0541

SYR RUBI IDAEI

This vase shaped majolica container has a curved spout and is decorated with a colorful circular floral design. Inside the design is the text "SYR RUBI IDAEI” in black.
Description
This vase shaped majolica container has a curved spout and is decorated with a colorful circular floral design. Inside the design is the text "SYR RUBI IDAEI” in black. The jar would have contained a syrup of rubus idaeus (raspberry), which was used as a tonic, diuretic, or diaphoretic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0746
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05958
collector/donor number
SAP 670
catalog number
1991.0664.0746

ESS CROCI

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and is surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS CROCI in black. The first initial of each word is painted red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label framed in blue and red, and is surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon. The label is marked ESS CROCI in black. The first initial of each word is painted red. The bottle would have contained the essence of crocus, obtained by steeping crocus sativus flowers in an alcohol solution. The essence of crocus was used as an aromatic, cordial, narcotic, antihysteric, and emmenagogue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0454
catalog number
M-05603
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 315
catalog number
1991.0664.0454

Apothecary Jar

This wide mouth jar is marked IALAPP. It is made of clear glass, and decorated with a while cartouche framed by a blue stylized vine, and topped by a yellow crown.Currently not on view
Description
This wide mouth jar is marked IALAPP. It is made of clear glass, and decorated with a while cartouche framed by a blue stylized vine, and topped by a yellow crown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0148
catalog number
M-05296
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 5

Prescription Label, 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
date made
1871
ID Number
1991.0664.1129
catalog number
1991.0664.1129
accession number
1991.0664

Apothecary Bottle, SPIR VITROIL ACID

This blown and molded square glass drug jar has a flat circular stopper. The baked enamel label is marked in red and black, SPIR VITROIL ACID.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This blown and molded square glass drug jar has a flat circular stopper. The baked enamel label is marked in red and black, SPIR VITROIL ACID.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0328
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05477
collector/donor number
SAP 186

Prescription Label, Adler Apotheke W. Westphal

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 1850
ID Number
1991.0664.1202
catalog number
1991.0664.1202
accession number
1991.0664

Cons. Sorbe

The label at the waist of this drug jar reads Cons. Sorbe. Sorbus is a tree or shrub within the Rose family. Its berries grow in clusters, and can be made into tea, jam, syrup, and fortified wine.
Description (Brief)
The label at the waist of this drug jar reads Cons. Sorbe. Sorbus is a tree or shrub within the Rose family. Its berries grow in clusters, and can be made into tea, jam, syrup, and fortified wine. The fruit is also used as an astringent, laxative, diuretic and has been used to prevent survey. The abbreviated Latin Cons probably refers to Confefectio, a syrup or Conserva, and is a formula made from herbs and sugar.
George Urdang, co-author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue attributes this jar to 18th century Savona.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0597
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 521
catalog number
1991.0664.0597

ELEC MITHRIDAT. ANDROMACH

The label of this urn–shaped blown glass has been applied with the cold paint technique in the rococo style.
Description
The label of this urn–shaped blown glass has been applied with the cold paint technique in the rococo style. The white escutcheon is outlined in gold and framed with vines of red and blue flowers, and is marked ELEC.MITHRIDAT.ANDROMACH.
Jars 1991.0664.405 through 1991.0664.0408 contained electuaries, blends of various herbs, water, honey and sugar that form a paste. Named after Mithradates, King of Pontus, this medicine was touted as an antidote for poisoning. Andromachus, Nero’s physician, refined the Mithridatum remedy into this concoction. Minthradatum Andromachus would have contained over 50 ingredients, but its active ingredient was opium.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0407
catalog number
M-05556
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 268
catalog number
1991.0664.0407

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