Della Robbia, << DEHL uh ROH bee uh, >> Luca (1399?-1482), was an Italian sculptor of the early Renaissance. Della Robbia created works in bronze and marble, but he is best known for his sculpture in terra cotta, which is a type of hard, durable earthenware. Della Robbia covered his terra cottas with glazes of bright colors, usually white against a blue background. These glazed terra cottas were less expensive to make than marble and they were also more durable than paint.
The first work known to be by della Robbia—and one of his most famous—is the Cantoria, or Singing Gallery (1431-1438). The Cantoria consists of 10 panels that portray children in relief sculpture singing and playing musical instruments. The panels are framed by delicately carved neoclassical architecture. The work illustrates the Biblical text of Psalm 150. The Cantoria was originally located over a doorway in the Cathedral of Florence and is now in the Cathedral museum. Della Robbia was born in Florence.
Luca della Robbia’s nephew Andrea della Robbia was a pupil of his uncle and inherited the family workshop in Florence. Andrea continued to make glazed terra cottas, though he lacked Luca’s originality and power. Five of Andrea della Robbia’s sons were trained in the della Robbia workshop and became recognized sculptors.
