This albarello has horizontal and vertical bands of blue, green and yellow vines and leaves. The center of the jar features a profile of a bearded soldier wearing a helmet. To the left of the soldier is a small band marked, Marce. Below the portrait is a scroll marked Coserua: vio laru in blue text. Pharmaceutical historian George Urdang attributes this albarello to the Italian town once known as Castel Durante, before its name was changed to Urbina in 1635.
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.
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