Della Robbia Annunciation Plaque
The beautiful Della Robbia Plaque is on the east wall of the Gregory Chapel, but little is known about it. Is it an original from the sculptor’s workshop or a modern copy?
Plaques like this are to be found all over Florence, Italy; in churches, above doorways, on street corners, and decorating buildings. They are usually blue and white, sometimes with the addition of yellow, green, turquoise, brown, and black. It is common for them to be surrounded by a frame of flowers and fruit, such as lemons and grapes.
The plaque in the cathedral has all the trademarks of a Della Robbia original, but as it is in such good condition it is probably a later copy.
Things to look for
This sculpture is of the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to inform her that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Both figures have haloes illustrating their position as saints. The lily Gabriel gives to Mary represents her purity and her blue cloak signifies her position as Queen of Heaven.
Mary is holding a Bible and is backed by a drawn curtain. Gabriel has surprised her during a quiet time of prayer and contemplation.
A white dove on a white cloud can be seen through the left hand window: this represents the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that Mary will become pregnant with the Son of God.
Interesting facts
A family business
The Della Robbias were a family of Florentine Renaissance sculptors led by Luca della Robbia (1400–1482).
Luca invented a very easily recognisable glazing technique on terracotta plaques. It was a family business and Luca worked with his nephew Andrea della Robbia, who in turn passed the technique on to his many sons. The Della Robbia family workshop flourished in Florence for around a hundred years. Their distinctive style was very popular in the late 1800s and there were many imitations made.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The North Transept You’re at: Della Robbia Annunciation Plaque Next stop: The Passion Window
- Turn to your left and look up at the stained glass window
- This is the Passion Window