Spanish Albarello

Prior to the advent of the modern day pharmacy medicinal remedies were developed by apothecaries and stored in parchment sealed cylindrical jars called albarellos. In addition  to the medicinal function it served, the albarello was also a work of art. Albarellos bearing elaborate foliate patterns, heraldic shields, religious iconography, baroque lambrequins and royal crowns were proudly displayed in the homes of the nobility who collected them.

The evolution of medicine and and frequent changes in medicinal recipes made permanently glazed content labels impractical so relying on iconography was sometimes required. The pair of hearts represented on this jar (not to be confused with cardiovascular medicine or the field of cardiology) represent the Immaculate Hearts of Mary surmounted by royal crowns. While the iconography had no medical value to the patient diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it was a comforting symbol nonetheless. 

Talavera de la Reina, Spain. Circa 1750

Dimensions: 8.75 inches high

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