Pitcher c. late 17th century

This glazed ceramic pitcher was crafted by an anonymous artist. Its surface is covered with figures, and the spout is formed by birds, all of which contribute to an interesting object of domestic use. The visual motifs and the shape of the pitcher create meaning through cultural references and perhaps even historical associations. To understand its place in society, we must ask: was it made in a particular country? What was the main religion, the political movements, or even the economic structures that might have influenced the artwork? If this pitcher was used for wine, then its association would probably be with the upper classes. If it was for water, this implies it was for general use. This object of art and craft offers a rich view of social structures in its time. To research such an object, historians consult a variety of sources, including period documents, similar artworks, and related cultural artifacts. The meanings that emerge from them, however, are contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which art is made, seen, and used.