Who created the Tabernacle of the Fonticine and when was it made?

Giovanni della Robbia created this beautiful work in 1522 for one of Florence's popular festive brigades known as the 'Potenze Festeggianti'. It was commissioned specifically by the Realm of Beliemme, as indicated by the inscription at the base of the piece.

What does the name 'Fonticine' refer to in this tabernacle?

The name 'Fonticine' derives from the seven angelic heads that pour gushes of water into the underlying marble basin below the tabernacle. This water feature is a distinctive characteristic of this Renaissance work and gives the piece its poetic name.

What religious figures are depicted in the polychrome glazed terracotta altarpiece?

The altarpiece features the Madonna and Child as the central figures, alongside St. John the Baptist and Saints Barbara, Luke, Jacopo, and Catherine. These figures are crafted in the distinctive polychrome glazed terracotta technique that della Robbia's workshop was famous for.

What artistic technique was used to create the altarpiece in the tabernacle niche?

The altarpiece was created using polychrome glazed terracotta, a specialty of Giovanni della Robbia's workshop that combines sculpted forms with colorful glazing. This technique allowed for vibrant, durable religious artwork that could withstand exposure to the elements.

What was the purpose of the Potenze Festeggianti brigades that commissioned this work?

The Potenze Festeggianti were popular Florentine festive brigades that organized celebrations and commissioned religious artworks as part of their activities. The Realm of Beliemme, which commissioned the Tabernacle of the Fonticine, was one such brigade that left its mark on Florence's artistic heritage.

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The Tabernacle of the Fonticine

Name: The Tabernacle of the Fonticine
Rating: 4.1

Via Nazionale, Firenze, Italia• ★★★★☆• 261 views

Carol Muster

Firenze

About The Tabernacle of the Fonticine

Giovanni della Robbia created the work in 1522 for one of the "Potenze Festeggianti", that is to say the popular Florentine festive brigades. The name derives from the gushes of water poured into the underlying marble basin by seven angelic heads. In the niche is placed the altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child, St. John and Saints Barbara, Luke, Jacopo and Catherine, made of polychrome glazed terracotta. The inscription at the base refers to the name of the commissioning brigade: the Realm of Beliemme.

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