Located in New Orleans, LA
This 18th century pharmacy “gaper” represents a fascinating Dutch folk art tradition that spans over four centuries. These wide-mouthed figures were once the favoured trade symbol of the apothecary, druggist or chemist, and were hung outside one's shop to indicate that medicines could be purchased within. Because the vast majority of gapers were crafted of wood, very few survived more than a century due to exposure to the elements, making the present example exceptionally rare.
The gaper represents the assistant to the traveling apothecaries...
Category
18th Century Other Antique Unknown Apothecary Cabinets