Robbia, Luca della (1400-1482)
Madonna col Bambino (Madonna and Child)
3rd quarter of the 15th century
Terracotta and glazed clay, 53 × 38 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Emotional depictions of the Madonna for domestic worship were very popular in Florence in the 15th century. Renowned artists such as Donatello created unique pieces from precious materials for the leading families. Della Robbia‘s workshop, on the other hand, specialized in cheaper clay with brightly colored glazes, which were highly valued and widely used. (KHM)