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Virgin and Child

Workshop of: Andrea della Robbia (Italian (Florentine), 1435–1525)
Italian (Florence)
Renaissance
about 1500
Object Place: Europe, Florence, Italy

Medium/Technique Glazed terracotta
Dimensions Overall: 52.1 x 36.2 x 12.7 cm (20 1/2 x 14 1/4 x 5 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Charles C. Perkins
Accession Number76.700
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSculpture
This restrained and relatively simple image was probably made for a bedroom, and used as a devotional aide to prayer. The holes near the necks of the figures have been used to attach pieces of real jewelry, a way of honoring the figures of the Virgin and Child.

DescriptionTerracotta
Provenance19th century, possibly Giovanni Pietro Campana (b. 1808 - d. 1880), Rome [see note]. 1876, gift of Charles Callahan Perkins (b. 1823 - d. 1886), Boston, to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 1, 1876)

NOTE: At the time of accessioning, this sculpture was said to come from the Campana collection; however, it has not been identified among the maiolica sculptures in the Campana catalogue of 1858. It is possible that Campana owned the sculpture and sold it before that date.