Italian Renaissance Terracotta Devotional Panel

Italian Renaissance Terracotta Devotional Panel

A remarkable example of fifteenth-century Italian religious art, this Renaissance terracotta devotional panel epitomises the spiritual and artistic fervour of its era. Exquisitely rendered in fired clay, the piece stands as a testament to the period’s masterful craftsmanship and enduring devotional traditions.

Origin: Italy
Date: Circa 1450
Material: Terracotta

Dimensions:
Height: 95 cm (37.5 in)
Width: 60 cm (23.5 in)
Depth: 8 cm (3.2 in)

Condition: Excellent patina; minor age-related surface wear, consistent with provenance

This Italian Renaissance terracotta devotional panel closely recalls the sophisticated iconography of the early Renaissance, drawing stylistic parallels to the works of Luca della Robbia and contemporaries whose ceramic sculptures grace collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Featuring the Virgin and Child with proximate Saints, surrounded by angels lifting a crown, this religious item captures the devotional intensity and narrative richness typical of mid-fifteenth-century Italian sculpture. The presence of a Thermo Luminescent Report further enhances academic interest, substantiating its period authenticity.

Notable Features:

• Exceptional Craftsmanship: Intricate modelling of the Virgin, Child, and Saints, with delicately articulated angels and richly ornamented Romanesque pilasters. The frieze, adorned with eight cherubic heads, and the arched pediment surmounted by a depiction of God amongst angels, attest to the sculptor’s virtuosity.
• Design Significance: Defined by pronounced Renaissance characteristics, including classical Romanesque pilasters and dynamic candelabra motifs, the piece reflects both the devotion and artistic innovation of its epoch.
• Collecting Value: As a rare example of Renaissance religious sculpture with clear provenance and technical evaluation, it is highly sought after by collectors of Christian artefacts and period ceramics, while its distinguished form and scale render it a centrepiece for any collection or gallery.
• Practical Value: With aesthetic grace and cultural resonance, this terracotta devotional panel is ideally suited for prominent display within domestic, ecclesiastical, or institutional contexts, offering both historical insight and exceptional decorative impact.

For the discerning connoisseur or collector of Renaissance religious items, this ceramic sculpture offers a compelling fusion of artistry, provenance, and devotional significance, enriching any setting with its profound period charm.