Isabelle Grima will talk about Aesthetics and functionality of maiolica apothecary jars.
The Art and Legacy of the Speziale invites you to explore the fascinating world of early modern pharmacy in the Maltese Islands, where science and artistry converged in spectacular fashion. Through opulent spezierie (pharmacies) that integrated architecture, painting, and sculpture, the speziale (pharmacist) established spaces that reflected both professional knowledge and cultural status. At the heart of this practice were the maiolica apothecary jars—particularly the distinctive albarelli—which served dual purposes as functional containers for materia medica and as artistic expressions that enhanced the pharmacy's visual appeal. While these beautiful vessels have lost their practical pharmaceutical function in the modern era, they have gained renewed significance as aesthetic objects, offering a tangible connection to Malta's rich heritage at the intersection of medicine, craft, and cultural expression.
Sponsored by APS, Laferla Insurance, MDemajo Wines and Spirits and Victor Azzopardi Jewelers.
