Art History: Luca della Robbia

Luca della Robbia (1400-1482) was an Italian sculptor from Florence, noted for his terracotta roundels. Robbia developed a pottery glaze that made his creations more durable in the outdoors and suitable for use on the exterior of buildings.

The Nativity and Madonna and Child - terracotta roundels

His work is noted for its charm rather than the drama of the work of some of his contemporaries. Two of his famous works are The Nativity, circa 1460 and Madonna and Child, circa 1475. He is the first of a dynasty of important pottery artists: Andrea della Robbia (his nephew) and Giovanni della Robbia (his grandnephew, son of Andrea).

Madonna and Child with Lilies - terracotta roundel

Della Robbia was praised by his compatriot Leon Battista Alberti for genius comparable to that of the sculptors Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti, the architect Filippo Brunelleschi, and the painter Masaccio. By ranking him with contemporary artists of this stature, Alberti reminds us of the interest and strength of Luca's work in marble and bronze, as well as in the terra-cottas always associated with his name.