Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Robbia, Luca della

​ROBBIA, LUCA DELLA, an Italian sculptor; born in Florence in 1399 or 1400. He designed and executed between 1431 and 1440 10 panels of “Angels and Dancing Boys” for the cathedral. Another great work by him was a bronze door, with 10 panels of figures in relief for the sacristy of the cathedral, made between 1448 and 1467. In marble he sculptured, in 1457–1458, the tomb of Federighi, Bishop of Fiesole (now in the church of San Francesco outside the city). His name is closely associated with the production of figures in glazed or enameled terra cotta, by a process he perfected. Among the works of this kind are many medallions, some white, some polychrome, and reliefs. He died in Florence, Feb. 20, 1482. His principal pupil was his nephew Andrea (1435–1525), who worked chiefly at the production of enameled reliefs, retables, and medallions, these last for the most part productions of the “Madonna and Child.” Nearly all his works were of religious subjects; they were made chiefly for Florence, Arezzo, and Prato. His son Giovanni (1469-1529?) continued the activity of the family in this style of work; his best productions are the frieze, representing the “Seven Works of Mercy,” outside a hospital at Pistoja, and a fountain in the sacristy of St. Maria Novella in Florence.