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A DUTCH COLLECTION OF RHENISH BELLARMINES After the art of firing stoneware with a dense and sintered body, at a temperature of about 1250 degrees Celcius had been mastered, between circa 1250 and 1300, stoneware quickly became a popular article because of its suitability for drinking vessels and for storing liquids. Until around 1500 stoneware jugs and jars were undecorated. In the 16th and 17th centuries, stoneware sumptuously and elaborately decorated with applied reliefs and masks was produced in Cologne and later at nearby Frechen. From the outset the prosperous Low Countries were the most important market for the Rhineland stoneware potteries. Jugs with face masks derive from Roman models which at their turn were inspired by archaic Celtic and Germanic prototypes. These Roman models were probably discovered during excavations and inspired imitation. They were the models for the Cologne-Frechen Bartmann-type bellarmine jugs. They were produced from around 1500 until the end of the 17th century onward. Many legends were connected to these anthropomorphic face jugs. The Dutch called these jugs vrijbuiter or filibuster jugs. Towards the end of the 16th century they were given the name of Bellarmine because of the supposed resemblance of the bearded mask to the face of the feared Holy Inquisition cardinal Bellarmino who was intensily disliked in the Protestant countries. The bellarmines were relatively expensive since the potter had to pay the taxes directly. The mask meant that the contents were thus free of taxes since these had been levied at the start from the potter. The significance of the guild seals and various coat of arms is thus also connected with the intricate tax system then prevalent in post mediaeval Europe.

Two Frechen stoneware armorial bellarmines

17TH CENTURY

Details

Two Frechen stoneware armorial bellarmines
17th century
(Bartmannkrug) the globular body covered in a vermiculated light-brown glaze, one moulded with the coat of arms of the city of Amsterdam between two lion supporters, the other with a Rhenish coat of arms, the neck with a grotesque bearded mask, with loop handle ending in a tail (restored)
20.5 and 21cm high (2)

Special notice

Christie's charge a buyer's premium of 20.825% of the hammer price for lots with values up to NLG 200,000. If the hammer price exceeds the NLG 200,000 then the premium is calculated at 20.825% of the first NLG 200,000 plus 11.9% of any amount in excess of NLG 200,000.

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