Advanced Search 
Virgin and Child
Andrea della Robbia (Italian (Florentine), 1435–1525)
Italian (Florence)
Renaissance
first quarter of the 16th century
Object Place: Europe, Florence, Italy
Medium/Technique
Glazed terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 101.2 x 63cm (39 13/16 x 24 13/16in.)
Other (Console): 31.4 x 56.7 cm (12 3/8 x 22 5/16 in.)
Other (Console): 31.4 x 56.7 cm (12 3/8 x 22 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Quincy Adams Shaw through Quincy Adams Shaw, Jr., and Mrs. Marian Shaw Haughton
Accession Number17.1474
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSculpture
The elaborate framework and traces of gliding suggest the original sumptuous effect of this imposing relief. But it is clear that a mistake occurred during production. The piece seems to have been fired at too high a temperature, which may have caused the bubbling effect in the glaze. Yet the beauty of the figures, the expressive modeling of faces and flesh, and the sweet sentiment of the piece must have convinced the artist to keep it despite the surface's imperfections.
DescriptionGlazed terracotta relief set into glazed terracotta tabernacle. Moulding of framework gilded and gilt details on robe and haloes. Glazed surface gravelly on lower part of group.
ProvenanceQuincy Adams Shaw (b. 1825 - d. 1908), Boston; 1917, gift of Quincy Adams Shaw, through Quincy Adams Shaw Jr., and Mrs. Marian Shaw Haughton, to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 29, 1917)
Copyright