Flower Pot on Feet, shape number 713

In the late 1840s, the leading British ceramic manufacturer, Minton & Co. developed a range of highly colorful, lead-based glazes that could be applied to a molded earthenware ceramic body. Minton introduced its new product, soon known as majolica, at the first major world’s fair, the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London. Many forms made by Minton in the first decade of majolica production were inspired by Renaissance art, as we see here in design of these jardinieres or flowerpots, which feature putto (cherubs) that personify the elements fire, wind, and water. However, these Renaissance-inspired motifs have been combined with naturalistic renderings of foliage and fruit, an exuberant mix characteristic of mid-nineteenth-century design.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Acquired by Deborah and Philip English, Baltimore, before 2002 [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; on long-term loan to the Walters Art Museum, 2002–2018; given to the Walters Art Museum, 2018.