Colourful figural groups made in tin-glazed ceramic provided the opportunity to own a durable and highly finished, sculptural object at relatively low cost. Such groups were mostly objects with a practical function, such as inkwells or candlesticks. Table-fountains are more rare. This table fountain is suitably fashioned as a drunken Bacchus, resting on a wine barrel. The Bacchus figure has a hole behind the head, through which it can be filled with liquid, which then escapes through a hole in the side of the barrel as well as through his penis. He is literary pissed and pissing at the same time. Objects such as this were obviously intended to provide some entertainment for guests at dinner parties.
Physical description
Figure group, tin-glazed earthenware painted with enamels, of Bacchus siting on a tree stump and drinking wine which has come from a cask at his side on which his arm rests. He is adorned with bunches of grapes and has a child and a goat beside him.
Place of Origin
Urbino, Italy (made)
Date
1560-1575 (made)
Artist/maker
Fontana Workshop (manufacturer)
Materials and Techniques
Tin-glazed earthenware painted with enamels
Dimensions
Height: 29.5 cm, Width: 22 cm, Depth: 19 cm
Historical context note
Colourful figural groups made in tin-glazed ceramic provided the opportunity to own a durable and highly finished, sculptural object at relatively low cost. Such groups were mostly objects with a practical function, such as inkwells or candlesticks. Table-fountains are more rare. This table fountain is suitably fashioned as a drunken Bacchus, resting on a wine barrel. The Bacchus figure has a hole behind the head, through which it can be filled with liquid, which then escapes through a hole in the side of the barrel as well as through his penis. He is literary pissed and pissing at the same time. Objects such as this were obviously intended to provide some entertainment for guests at dinner parties.
Descriptive line
Figure group of Bacchus in tin-glazed earthenware painted with enamels, Fontana Workshop, Urbino, 1560-1575.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Ravanelli Guidotti, C., Ceramiche occidentali del Museo Civico Medievale di Bologna, Bologna, 1985, p. 217, nr. 173
A variation with three putti and a barrel and basin, for similar use, is in Bologna. It is described in the catalogue as Versatore (guttatoio). It is attributed to the Pattinazi workshop, end of the 16th century. With further references.
Ivanova 2003, Hermitage catalogue, cat 95 and 97
Variations, one with standing Bacchus leaning on a barrel (95) and a St Jerome.
Bojani, G.C., C. Ravanelli Guidotti, A. Fanfani, La donazione Galeazzo Cora: ceramiche dal medioevo al XIX secolo, Milano, 1985, cat. 342, p. 142
An inkstand in Faenza, in the shape of Apollo sitting on a fountain surrounded by animals, atributed to the Patanazzi workshop, last quarter 16th century.
Exhibition History
Masterpieces of Italian Renaissance Maiolica (Victoria and Albert Museum 22/09/2012-06/05/2013)
Materials
Earthenware; Tin glaze
Techniques
Painted
Subjects depicted
Men; Figures; Boys; Bacchus; Goats (animals); Barrels (containers)
Categories
Ceramics; Earthenware
Collection code
CER
