Albarello for the Apostles’ ointment

The presented majolica vessel comes from the collection of Mateusz Bronisław Grabowski (1904–1976). It is an albarello, i.e. a ceramic apothecary vessel incurved in the middle. On the belly of the jug, there is a large medallion with a figure of a holy monk in a grey habit. On the ribbon at the bottom of the vessel is an inscription: VNGV(ENTUM) APOSTVLOR(UM), (correctly: Unguentum Apostolorum), i.e. Apostles’ ointment. It was a valued preparation used in the treatment of ulcers and slow-healing wounds[1]. This mixture was introduced in the 11th century by the Persian doctor Avicenna. ID no.: KGZ 5934 Time of creation: 2nd half of 16th century Museum: The Museum of Pharmacy at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków https://muzea.malopolska.pl/en/objects-list/969 Digitalisation: RDW MIC, Virtual Małopolska project