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Not currently on display at the V&A

Alexander the Great

Bust
19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Italy (made)

This is a bust in polychrome glazed terracotta, probably made in Italy in Florence in the 19th century as an imitation of Della Robbia ware. The bust represents Alexander the Great.


Object details

Category
Sculpture
Object type
Bust
TitleAlexander the Great (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Glazed and polychromed earthenware
Earthenware
Terracotta
Tin Glazing
Brief description
Bust, polychrome enamelled earthenware, depicting Alexander the Great, style of Della Robbia, probably Italian, probably 19th century in the style of the fifteenth century
Physical description
Bust in polychrome glazed terracotta. The figure, which is cut off above the shoulders, is represented looking slightly to the left, with a classical helmet decorated above with two dolphins and on the chin strap with two scorpions. Below is the top of a corset covered with scales, with, at the neck, a border of male masks. The flesh parts are glazed in white, and the helmet and armour in yellow.
Dimensions
  • Height: 59.7cm
  • Width: 48.26cm
Object history
Purchased in Florence from Gagliardi in 1869 for £25.
Production
Modern Italian, imitation of Della Robbia ware
Subjects depicted
Dolphins
Scorpions
Alexander the Great
Summary
This is a bust in polychrome glazed terracotta, probably made in Italy in Florence in the 19th century as an imitation of Della Robbia ware. The bust represents Alexander the Great.
Bibliographic references
  • List of Objects in the Art Division, South Kensington, Acquired During the Year 1869, Arranged According to the Dates of Acquisition. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., p. 10
  • Pope-Hennessy, John. Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: HMSO, 1964, cat. no. 273, fig. 263
Collection
Sculpture Collection
Accession number
121-1869

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Record createdAugust 26, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O166325/alexander-the-great-bust-unknown/
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