Mother of Sorrows
- Workshop of
- Andrea della Robbia, Italian, 1435–1525
- Date
- c.1525
- Material
- Glazed terracotta
- made in
- Florence, Tuscany region, Italy, Europe
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Collection
- European Art to 1800
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 222
- Dimensions
- 31 11/16 x 15 3/4 x 8 in. (80.5 x 40 x 20.3 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 106:1932
NOTES
Portrayed as the Mother of Sorrows, Mary, the mother of Jesus, poses in a restrained and contemplative manner that invites a sympathetic response from the viewer. Her tilted head, furrowed brow, and graceful gesture capture her profound sadness upon the death of her son. This work exemplifies the type of sculpture produced by the della Robbia workshop in Florence. Renowned for their distinctive reliefs and subdued, although colorful palette, the della Robbia family, including Andrea and his uncle Luca (1400–1482), perfected the glazing and firing process unique to their workshop. The family maintained a successful Florentine business throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.
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