Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
"Bellarmine", the commonest name for German Stoneware jugs with bearded masks, an early misnomer. Roberto Bellarmine, a Cardinal disliked by Protestants, often popularly considered to be caricatured on such jugs. Also, occasional reference in such respect to Duke d'Alva. Earliest dated examples of these jugs made well before birth of either man. "Bartmann" or bearded man is sounder but the less common nomenclature. Made in Rhenish Germany and developed to their height in Cologne area, 16th century. Bartmann jugs became popular in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. Such jugs, especially later examples with fierce masks, frequently used as "witch bottles"; buried under hearths with bits of hair, nail-parings, etc. to ward off spells; or filled with pierced cloth hearts to cast spells. Generally all-purpose jugs for liquids, sturdy and difficult to break.Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Manor, Milk Room
