Madonna and Child

Abstract

This is one of many low relief glazed terracotta images made by the workshop of Andrea della Robbia. These compositions were reproduced using molds, at which point slight variations could be added to customize the sculpting or glazing of an individual work. This composition, with the Madonna seated in a scroll-armed chair and leaning tenderly towards her baby, who stands in contrapposto and offers a blessing. This composition is known in multiple versions and was likely made for domestic devotion, to be hung high inside the house, so that the Virgin and Child would have gazed protectively down on the members of the household. This relief is currently housed in the Casa Buonarroti in Florence, where it is attested to have been since 1799. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.