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Sculptural group with The Lamentation Over the Dead Christ

1487
Not on view
This work is the largest and most spectacular surviving example of sculptural maiolica from the Renaissance. The standing figures are set in high relief against a landscape of rocky yellow earth and green grass. Conceived as an altarpiece, the scene depicts the moment of grief and reflection after Christ’s body is taken down from the cross. It allowed the artist—a highly skilled potter—to explore the expressive potential of his medium.

Although this work surpasses in ambition many earthenware vessels from the period, it was made with traditional maiolica techniques. Therefore, the color palette is limited due to the chemical properties of the pigments. The patterns on the mourners’ garments are related to contemporary European fashion but also recall the energetic Spanish-influenced ornament found on many objects in this exhibition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sculptural group with The Lamentation Over the Dead Christ
  • Date: 1487
  • Culture: Eastern Central Italian, Emilia-Romagna or the Marche
  • Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
  • Dimensions: Overall: 29 1/2 x 64 x 12in. (74.9 x 162.6 x 30.5cm);
    (a) confirmed: 9 1/8 × 28 5/8 × 6 3/4 in., 30.3 lb. (23.2 × 72.7 × 17.1 cm, 13.7 kg);
    (b) confirmed: 27 3/4 in., 54.1 lb. (70.5 cm, 24.5 kg);
    (c) confirmed: 28 5/8 in., 31.9 lb. (72.7 cm, 14.4 kg);
    (d) confirmed: 29 1/4 in., 33.9 lb. (74.3 cm, 15.4 kg);
    (e) confirmed: 27 1/2 in., 32.9 lb. (69.9 cm, 14.9 kg);
    (f) confirmed: 28 5/8 in., 36 lb. (72.7 cm, 16.4 kg);
    (g) confirmed: 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
    (h) confirmed: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.26a–h
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Bowl with The Virgin and the Unicorn and arms of Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Aragon, Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware), Italian, Pesaro
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Italian, Pesaro
probably ca. 1486–88
Dish with The Woman of Sestos and the Eagle and arms of the Pucci family, Fra Xanto Avelli da Rovigo, Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware), Italian, Urbino
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1532
Madonna and Child with Scroll, Luca della Robbia Italian, Glazed terracotta, Italian, Florence
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Luca della Robbia
ca. 1455
Virgin and Child, Andrea della Robbia Italian, Glazed terracotta, Italian, Florence
Virgin and Child
Andrea della Robbia
ca. 1470–75
Inkstand with Apollo and the Muses, Patanazzi family Italian, Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware), Italian, Urbino
Inkstand with Apollo and the Muses
Patanazzi family
Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)
1584

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