Inkstand or Base of a Centerpiece

Workshop of: Guido Durantino, Italian, 1490–1576
Date: c.1546
Material: Tin-glazed earthenware and gilding
made in: Urbino, Marche region, Italy, Europe
Classification: Ceramics
Collection: Decorative Arts and Design
Current Location: On View, Gallery 236E
Dimensions: widest point: 6 1/2 x 9 in. (16.5 x 22.9 cm)
narrowest point: 6 1/2 x 7 in. (16.5 x 17.8 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 21:1925

NOTES

Featuring six spouts along the top edge, this rare, hexagonal-shaped object portrays six females. The women represent either the Muses (goddesses that inspire the creative arts and sciences) or figures symbolizing geometry, astronomy, music, literature, painting, and sculpture—perfect for a scholar’s study. The elongated shapes and tapering limbs are characteristic of the 16th-century style of Mannerism in which artists sought to achieve beautiful forms, sometimes sacrificing naturalism.

Provenance

by 1876 -
M. Georges Berger [1]

- 1922
De Gouy Collection, Paris, France

1922 - 1925
Durlacher Brothers, London, England [2]

1925 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Durlacher Brothers [3]

Notes:
[1] In an 1876 publication, the object is listed as being in the collection of M. Georges Berger [Ris-Paquot, Oscar Edmond. "Histoire générale de la faïence ancienne, française et étrangère." Paris, 1874-1876, pl. 171].

[2] According to American Consular Service's "Declaration in Connection with Artistic Antiquities," the object was acquired by Durlacher Brothers from "Mr. De Gouy, Paris" on May 11, 1922 [document dated October 22, 1924, SLAM document files].

[3] See note [2]. Bill of sale from Durlacher Brothers dated October 22, 1924 [SLAM documents files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, January 9, 1925.

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