Boy Saint John 15th - 16th century

This is a glazed terracotta bust of Boy Saint John, made in Italy, likely in the late 15th or early 16th century by an artist from the della Robbia workshop. Terracotta, or baked earth, had been used for millennia, but it was the della Robbia family who perfected a glazing technique that made the material waterproof, durable, and visually striking. This required careful control of the kiln's firing, and precise recipes for the glaze itself. The result is a surface that seems to glow from within. Notice how the smooth, cool glaze contrasts with the roughly textured hair and garment. The choice of terracotta was significant. More affordable than marble or bronze, it allowed for wider distribution of devotional objects. The della Robbia family essentially industrialized the production of religious sculpture, meeting the demands of a growing market for art. This bust stands as a testament to the innovative blend of art, craft, and commerce that defined the Renaissance.