ROBBIA, Francesco della
(b. 1477, Firenze, d. 1527, Macerata)

Nativity

1490s
Glazed terracotta, 185 x 185 cm
Santa Maria degli Angeli, La Verna

The Nativity and the Christ in Sepulchre on the side altars Santa Maria degli Angeli in La Verna represent one of the first examples of polychrome glazed altarpieces produced by Andrea della Robbia's workshop.

In the Nativity, the Madonna with the Child and St Joseph is flanked by the elongated figures of Sts Anthony and Francis. The scene is enriched by the addition of the Dove, God the Father, and pairs of angels. Colour is used for the flesh tones, hair, wings, and clothing, making it possible to draw a close comparison between the altarpiece in relief and painted panels.

Several details suggest the involvement of a new artistic personality, who could be one of Andrea's sons, probably Francesco della Robbia, to whom the two altarpieces, the Nativity and the Christ in Sepulchre, are attributed by some critics. The devotional character of the two altarpieces is compatible with the ardent religious zeal of Francesco, who entered the monastery of San Marco at the age of eighteen under the name of Fra Ambrogio. This attribution is not universally accepted.