Luca della Robbia
Italian (Florence), 1399/1400-1482
or
Andrea della Robbia
Italian (Florence), 1435-1525

In this elegant ceramic sculpture Mary embraces the Christ Child, who holds an apple. The apple refers to the Christian belief that Adam and Eve caused the Fall of Man by eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. While the first Adam and Eve brought death into the world, Christ and Mary, the “second Adam and Eve,” brought eternal life.

Founder of a renowned family workshop, Luca della Robbia perfected the use of tin oxide glazes, which turn white when fired in a kiln, on baked earthenware sculpture. Luca modified and refined the technique used for maiolica tableware, and his exact formula for glazes remains a della Robbia family secret.

Luca’s nephew Andrea, his most talented pupil, eventually took over the workshop. Late in Luca’s career the two artists often collaborated. Works like this one—which remained in the della Robbia family collection until 1879—embellished some of the most important buildings of Renaissance Florence.

 

Glazed earthenware, about 1465-70
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1938.123