Virgin and Child thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Virgin and Child

Relief
mid 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Bastianini, Giovanni (maker)
Place of origin
Italy (made)

This relief of the Virgin and Child with two cherub heads is in the style of Della Robbia ware. On acquisition it was thought to be the work by Giovanni Bastianini, a nineteenth century sculptor who produced neo- Renaissance works in imitation of Italian Old Masters. However the freer style of this piece, in contrast to other examples of Bastianini's work, suggests instead that it is the work of another hand.


Object details

Categories
Sculpture
Reliefs
Christianity
Object type
Relief
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Relief Virgin and Child With Two Cherub Heads
  • Frame
TitleVirgin and Child
Materials and techniques
Terracotta
Terracotta
Brief description
Relief, Virgin and Child, Giovanni Bastianini, mid 19th century.
Physical description
Bas-relief. terracotta; the Virgin seated with the Infant Saviour on a cushion placed upon her right knee; on either side is a seraph. The relief is partly enamelled in colours in imitation of Della Robbia ware.
Dimensions
  • Height: 25.25in
  • Width: 18.25in
Object history
Given by C.Fairfax Murray, Esq.
Subjects depicted
Seraph
Virgin Mary
Jesus Christ
Summary
This relief of the Virgin and Child with two cherub heads is in the style of Della Robbia ware. On acquisition it was thought to be the work by Giovanni Bastianini, a nineteenth century sculptor who produced neo- Renaissance works in imitation of Italian Old Masters. However the freer style of this piece, in contrast to other examples of Bastianini's work, suggests instead that it is the work of another hand.
Bibliographic references
  • List of Objects in the Art Division South Kensington Museum acquired during the Year 1893. Arranged according to the dates of acquisition, with appendix and indices. London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1894. pp. 40.
  • MacLagan, E, and Longhurst, Margaret, H. Catalogue of Italian Sculpture. London: V&A, 1932. pp.170
  • Pope-Hennessy, John. Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: Her Majesty's Stationary Office, 1964. pp.692
Other number
TN.343-2020 - Cancelled number
Collection
Sculpture Collection
Accession number
290:1, 2-1893

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Record createdDecember 8, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O176866/virgin-and-child-relief-bastianini-giovanni/
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