Saturday, November 13, 2021

Pomander

 





Title: Pomander

Date: 16th century

Culture: German

Medium: Silver gilt

Dimensions: Height: 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Silver

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/196980


The pomander was worn or carried as a protection against infection in times of pestilence or merely as a useful article to modify bad smells. The sphere shaped objects were hung from a neck-chain or belt, or attached to the girdle. The objects, made of gold or silver, was perforated in a variety of openwork techniques. Sometimes they contained several partitions, in each of which was placed a different perfume. 

The pomander shows up often in historical painting. 




Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen
Portrait of a Man
c. 1518
oil on panel




Pieter Pourbus
Unknown woman holding a pomander
circa 1560 - 1565




Barthel Bruyn the Elder
Portrait of a woman
c. 1538



Design for a pomander by Wenceslaus Hollar (23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677). Hollar was a prolific and accomplished graphic artist of the 17th century.





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