Ewer with Figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity 1571 - 1600

This ewer, or water jug, with figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity was made by François Briot in France around the year 1600. Its religious imagery is typical of art made during the Counter-Reformation. The image creates meaning through visual codes of the era. Briot was a Huguenot who was given safe conduct by Catholic authorities. It is possible that he created this ewer as a celebration of his faith. The ewer's cultural references are steeped in the religious and social history of France. It’s also possible to imagine that the artist made this artwork in an attempt to challenge the existing social norms that existed in the late Renaissance, early Modern era. Art historians use a wide range of resources to better understand artworks like this. We look at historical texts, religious documents, and social histories to gain a richer understanding of the ewer's meaning. Ultimately, understanding art means understanding the social and institutional contexts in which it was made.