Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Miller, Stephanie R

Titel

Andrea della Robbia and his La Verna altarpieces: Context and interpretation

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

2003

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Historically evaluated in the shadow of his uncle Luca della Robbia, Andrea della Robbia's enameled terra cotta sculptures have rarely been examined or questioned independently. Traditional art historical questions of intent and interpretation have infrequently been posed to Andrea's art. Andrea della Robbia's La Verna altarpieces are often praised as highlights of his career, but have not received a thorough investigation. His five altarpieces for La Verna are here considered within the context of Andrea's biography, career and workshop, and within their unique monastic setting where St. Francis received his stigmata. Andrea della Robbia's biography, extant documentation, and the nature of the enameled terra cotta medium are discussed. Also explored are Andrea della Robbia's associations with the Franciscan Order and how and why Andrea was selected to provide the altarpieces to the Franciscan monastery of La Verna. A brief history of the monastery is also provided as it relates to the choice of theme and subject matter of Andrea's altarpieces at this important pilgrimage site. The altarpieces are explored individually and as an entity which often reveals thematically related intent and suggests a guiding theological influence. Three of the altarpieces have inscriptions which, rather than simply identifying the accompanying images, propose interesting interpretations and influences for the sculpted altarpieces. This further supports the notion of an uniting theological influence and an awareness and appreciation of the sculptures' location and audience.