Luca della Robbia, an Italian sculptor from Florence, is renowned for his innovative and vibrant tin-glazed terracotta statuary, a technique he pioneered and passed on to his nephew Andrea della Robbia and great-nephews Giovanni della Robbia and Girolamo della Robbia. Born in 1399, Luca worked primarily in terracotta after developing his technique in the early 1440s.
Early Life and Training
Luca's early life and training are not well-documented, but it is believed that he may have trained as a goldsmith under Leonardo di Ser Giovanni. He was heavily influenced by Donatello and worked with Ghiberti on the famous doors of the Florence Baptistry.
Notable Works
Some of Luca's most notable works include
The Nativity, created around 1460, and
Madonna and Child, created around 1475. His work in stone is also notable, with his first major commission being the Cantoria in the Florence Cathedral, which he worked on from 1431 to 1438.
- Importance of Cantoria: The Cantoria is a significant work, not only because it showcases Luca's skill in stone but also because it establishes him as a major Florentine artist and student of Renaissance naturalism.
- Technique: Luca's use of colorful, tin-glazed terracotta statuary added a new dimension to his work, making it both more durable and expressive.
- Influence: Luca's work was praised by his compatriot Leon Battista Alberti, who compared him to other notable artists like Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Legacy
Luca della Robbia's legacy can be seen in the many artists he influenced, including his nephew Andrea della Robbia and great-nephews Giovanni della Robbia and Girolamo della Robbia. His innovative technique and use of colorful terracotta statuary have made him a notable figure in the history of Italian Renaissance sculpture.
Visit https://WahooArt.com/@/Luca-Della-Robbia to learn more about Luca della Robbia and his works, including
Madonna with Child and Angels and
Cantoria: first top relief (detail). You can also explore the
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence, Italy, which features many of Luca's notable works. For more information on Italian Renaissance sculpture, visit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Renaissance_sculpture.