Jug with Minerva and ribbed neck c. 1550 - 1599

This jug with Minerva and ribbed neck was made by Baldem Mennicken, a German potter who died very young, between 1568 and 1592. During the Renaissance, the revival of classical themes intersected with the rise of skilled artisans like Mennicken, creating a fascinating dialogue between ancient ideals and contemporary craft. What does it mean to inscribe an image of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, onto a humble object like a jug? Does it elevate the jug to something more than an everyday object? The rising merchant classes of the Renaissance had a taste for luxury items. Stoneware was an affordable status symbol in comparison to works in silver and gold, and this piece reflects the social mobility of the time. The figure of Minerva also represents the importance of education. Ultimately, this jug serves as a reminder of how everyday objects can embody deeper cultural values and aspirations.