Virgin and Child
Andrea della Robbia
(Italian (Florentine), 1435–1525)
about 1500
Object PlaceFlorence, Italy
Medium/TechniqueGlazed terracotta
DimensionsOverall: 52.1 x 36.2 x 12.7 cm (20 1/2 x 14 1/4 x 5 in.)
Credit LineGift of Charles C. Perkins
Accession number76.700
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
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.
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.
