Minneapolis Institute of Art

Dovizia

Giovanni della Robbia

Date

c. 1520

Medium

Glazed terracotta, polychromed

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Since ancient times, a female figure carrying fruit has personified abundance or wealth (dovizia in Italian). This colorful ceramic statuette is based on a famous Renaissance sculpture by Donatello (1386–1466) that once towered over the market square in Florence. Donatello’s Dovizia advertised agricultural products while celebrating the ideal of public prosperity through trade. Della Robbia’s small version, meant for a private home, also embodies the idea of happy family life. He added an infant playing tag with its pet dog to the model in order to suggest domestic happiness. The inscription turns a verse from the Psalms of David into a blessing: GLORIA ET DIVITI[A]E IN DOMO TVA (Honor and wealth [shall be] in your home). Italy, Europe

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