Head of a youth
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.
Recent conservation treatment has returned the glazed terracotta sculpture to its former luminous brilliance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Head of a youth
- Artist: Andrea della Robbia (Italian, 1435–1525)
- Date: 1470s
- Culture: Italian, Florence
- Medium: Glazed terracotta
- Dimensions: confirmed, irregular diameter, at exterior glazed edge: 22 7/16 in. (57 cm)
confirmed, Irregular dia. of recessed inner edge of blue ground: 14 1/16 in. (35.7 cm)
Diameter (confirmed, irregular diameter of back): 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm) - Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1903
- Object Number: 03.22
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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