Head of a youth

Andrea della Robbia

second half 15th century · Glazed terracotta · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This sculpture does not portray a specific individual but rather is an idealized depiction of a handsome young man. In Renaissance Florence, such youthful male beauty represented an aspirational type of citizenry that was physically vital and psychologically aware. Framed by a colorful garland of the kind actually used in Florentine civic celebrations, the youth gazes outward in thoughtful determination. Recent conservation treatment has returned the glazed terracotta sculpture to its former luminous brilliance.

Artist

Andrea della Robbia

Date

second half 15th century

Medium

Glazed terracotta

Culture

Italian, Florence

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1903