Madonna and Child with Scroll

Art Historical Context

In the heart of Renaissance Florence, Luca della Robbia crafted this exquisite *Madonna and Child with Scroll* 1455, a quintessential example of his innovative glazed terracotta technique. Standing at over 42 inches tall and weighing a substantial 93 pounds, this captures the tender bond between the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, who holds a scroll symbolizing divine wisdom or prophecy. Della Robbia, a leading Early Renaissance sculptor, revolutionized sculpture by firing unglazed terracotta with a tin-based glaze, creating vibrant, durable pieces that mimicked colorful maiolica ceramics while resisting the elements—perfect for both altarpieces and architectural niches. This work exemplifies the Florentine Renaissance's blend of classical serenity and religious devotion, with the Madonna's gentle gaze and the Child's playful gesture evoking profound humanism. The glossy white glaze, accented by subtle blues and golds in typical della Robbia fashion, brings a luminous, almost ethereal quality to the figures, making them appear alive and approachable. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art thanks to the 1913 bequest of Benjamin Altman, it invites visitors to ponder the era's spiritual fervor and artistic ingenuity, where everyday materials were transformed into timeless icons of faith.