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Drug bottle with floral bouquet

mh_2002_3_24_v1-cdm.jpg

Italian, Drug bottle with floral bouquet
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe 

mh_2002_3_24_v2-cdm.jpg

Italian, Drug bottle with floral bouquet
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe

mh_2002_3_24_v3-cdm.jpg

Italian, Drug bottle with floral bouquet
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe

mh_2002_3_24_v4-cdm.jpg

Italian, Drug bottle with floral bouquet
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe

Not On View
Grue, Saverio (?); Fuina, Gesualdo (?)
Italian (1731-1799; 1755-1822)
Place made: 
Europe; Italy; Castelli d'Abruzzo
Drug bottle with floral bouquet, 18th century
Earthenware; cobalt pigment with tin glaze (majolica)
Overall: 12 1/2 in x 7 3/8 in; 31.7 cm x 18.7 cm
Joseph J. Hammer Collection, Gift of Roy A. Hammer
MH 2002.3.24

This bottle is one of a pair likely painted by Saverio Grue (1731-1799) or Gesualdo Fuina (1755-1822), master ceramicists from Castelli d'Abruzzo in southern Italy. This beautifully painted bouquet of irises and other flowers is a testament to the painter’s virtuosity. In contrast, the applied foot shows another artist’s hand, revealing a collaborative creative process. From the form and the abbreviations for Aqua Rosa Rubra we know the vessel contained rose water, an ingredient in a variety of products ranging from cosmetics and perfume, to drinks and cooking.