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Armorial Jug (boccale)

ca. 1570–80
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 950
This jug bears the coat of arms of the Pucci, a prominent Florentine family, which features the head of a Black man in profile, a reference to their original surname, Saracini (meaning "Saracens"). Similar images had frequently appeared in European heraldry since the thirteenth century. Rooted in the subjugation of Muslims and peoples of Arab and African descent, this imagery often signified triumph in the Crusades or involvement in the slave trade. Here, a white band tied around the man’s head is inscribed with three T’s, an acronym for the Pucci family motto: Tempore tempora tempera (Time alleviates all troubles).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Armorial Jug (boccale)
  • Date: ca. 1570–80
  • Culture: Italian, Montelupo
  • Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
  • Dimensions: H. 15 3/16 in. (38.5 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.1010
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

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Plate (piatto): The story of Aeneas, Francesco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo Italian, Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
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Armorial Plate (tondino): The story of King Midas, Nicola da Urbino Italian, Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
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Armorial dish: Supper at the House of Simon the Pharisee, Maestro Giorgio Andreoli Italian, Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
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