Lidded Tankard

The cylindrical shape of this vessel portrays the Old Testament story of Hagar and her son Ishmael into who were both sent into exile in the desert. Abraham’s childless wife Sarah sends Hagar away out of jealousy. It is only thanks to the assistance of an angel that Hagar is able to return and bears Ishmael. With the birth of her own son, Isaac, Sarah once again casts out her rival. The scene shows the moment when an angel comes to the aid of the parched mother and son, showing them a well. The angel foretells that God “will make him [Ishmael] a great nation” (Genesis 21, 18). The relief using painterly techniques is based on 17th century print graphics. The iconographic and stylistic tradition may have been passed on via the Netherlands, with which Gdansk had close trade relations. Characteristic of many of Pichgiel’s lidded tankards is the beaten silver handle in the shape of an animal or bird (here a swan with a ring in its beak) as well as the bottom plate, which protrudes beyond the base in a sinuous line above the base ridge. (Barbara Til)