Robbia, della

A glazed terracotta altarpiece of the Virgin and Child with angels, and a chalice and dove overhead, by the Italian sculptor Giovanni della Robbia (1469-1529).

Italian family of sculptors and architects. They were active in Florence. Luca della Robbia (1400-1482) created a number of major works in Florence, notably the marble cantoria (singing gallery) in the cathedral 1431-38 (Museo del Duomo), with lively groups of choristers. Luca also developed a characteristic style of glazed terracotta work.

Andrea della Robbia (1435-1525), Luca's nephew and pupil, and Andrea's sons continued the family business, inheriting the formula for the vitreous terracotta glaze. The blue-and-white medallions of foundling children 1463-66 on the Ospedale degli Innocenti, Florence, are typical. Many later works are more elaborate and highly coloured, such as the frieze 1522 on the facade of the Ospedale del Ceppo, Pistoia.

Giovanni della Robbia (1469-1529), Andrea's son, and Girolamo della Robbia (1488-1566) produced terracottas for Fontainebleau in France.