Bartmann jug

Raeren or Frechen, Germany, 16th century

Salt-glazed stoneware, decorated in relief.

H: 40 cm

Unsigned

UMP 7785

Stoneware “Bartmann” jug decorated with relief patterns and a salt glaze. The neck is decorated with the characteristic bearded man’s head, while the body presents relief medallions, leaves, and the inscription: “VAN.GOT.VIL.SO.IST.EIN.ZIL.”

The decoration of the jug is typical for this location in the Renaissance period. In both Raeren and Frechen, Germany, potters produced large numbers of Bartmann jugs. In the seventeenth century, the bearded men transformed into animal and devil masks (grotesques).

l Bartmann jug