Sicilian Renaissance Pharmacy Bottle

A rare Sicilian pharmacy bottle of globular form with tapering neck and spreading foot, richly decorated in polychrome maiolica glazes. One side is painted with a finely executed Renaissance profile portrait contained within a circular medallion, the sitter depicted wearing a soft cap and doublet, framed within a radiating yellow border. The reverse is adorned with bold scrolling foliage and large stylised carnation-like blooms in cobalt blue, ochre and white, highlighted with touches of green.
Pharmacy vessels of this type (albarelli and related forms) were produced in Sicily from the late sixteenth century, most notably in Palermo and Caltagirone, to supply apothecaries and monasteries with containers for oils, unguents, and medicinal waters. Surviving examples with figural or portrait medallions are especially rare, the majority being decorated with either inscriptions (naming the drug) or purely floral designs.
Condition: rim with areas of damage, otherwise stable with good surface survival and strong colours.