Section of a tabernacle, probably from the workshop of the della Robbia family, Italy (Florence), ca. 1500

The tabernacle proper is flanked by white and blue pilasters, with, above, a frieze of cherub heads between heavy mouldings. At each side of the central aperture is a small angel drawing a curtain, and above is a scalloped lunette with the Holy Ghost. At either side, from the ends of the cornice, are suspended heavy swags of flowers and fruit. Below the tabernacle, on each side of a circular opening, are the words: HIC.EST./PANISVIVVS/Q.DECELO/DESCENDIT., and at the base is a console formed by cornucopias filled with fruit, with, between them, a wreath surrounding an empty space for a shield.. In the lunette of the tabernacle is the Child Christ standing on a chalice with his right hand raised in blessing between two cherub heads. Enamelled in white, yellow, green, blue, porphyry, brown and black. The surfaces of the two lunettes and of the frieze with putto heads are blue, and in the haloes and the outlining of the central area yellow is extensively employed.

Purchased in Florence

This piece comes from a tabernacle, where the communion vessels were stored in a church. The clay was shaped in a mould and fired, then painted with different coloured glazes and fired again. The rough underside of the section is hollow to prevent it cracking during the firing. A wire loop was used to remove excess clay, leaving the smooth, broad grooves that you can feel inside. The motifs used in the decoration all have symbolic meanings. From left to right there are cucumbers (resurrection), a grape (resurrection), lemons (salvation), pine cones (virtue and immortality) and quinces (immortal virtue).

6736-1860