Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE D: WORLD ART
Preferred Title:
Santa Maria Novella Sacristy; Lavabo
Image View:
Detail, inset ceramic swags in the marble surround
Creator:
Giovanni della Robbia (Italian sculptor, 1469-ca. 1530)
Location:
repository: Santa Maria Novella (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
Location Note:
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 18; located in the sacristy
GPS:
43.7746 11.2493
Date:
1497-1499 (creation)
Cultural Context:
Italian
Style Period:
Fifteenth century; Renaissance
Work Type 1:
lavabo (sink)
Work Type 2:
sculpture (visual work)
Work Type 3:
maiolica
Classification:
Decorative Arts, Utilitarian Objects and Interior Design
Material:
tin glazed polychrone terracotta; white marble
Technique:
fabrication attributes: ceramics; molding (forming); painting and painting techniques
Measurements:
132 cm (height, tympanum) x 192 cm (width, tympanum)
Subjects:
decorative arts; New Testament; Catholic Church; Mass; ritual
Description:
Giovanni trained with his father Andrea della Robbia, and is documented in the family workshop from 1497. As heir to the workshop, he had the job of reviewing production according to changing tastes as dictated by contemporary painting. By the 16th century, his works were characterized by vivid polychrome glazes, instead of the traditional blue and white. This lavabo is located in the sacristy. The name lavabo ("I shall wash" in Latin). In the Roman Rite, the celebrant washes his hands before vesting for Mass. This large work features a view of the seashore painted on maiolica tiles at the back. There are also two painted maiolica panels of fruit trees set into the lower part. In the tympanum of the arch is a white relief of the Madonna between two adoring angels. Long colored garlands of fruit and flowers are held by putti reclining on the top of the arch and others standing on the cornice. The basin and back are white marble. (Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Main_Page)
Collection:
Archivision Adjunct Module D: World Art
Identifier:
6A1-ROBBIA-SMN-SL-A1 7
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Santa Maria Novella Sacristy; Lavabo