Italian family of sculptors and architects,
active in Florence. Luca della Robbia
(1400-82) created a number of major works in
Florence, notably the marble cantoria
(singing gallery) in the cathedral 1431-38
(Museo del Duomo), with lively groups of
choristers. Luca also developed a
characteristic style of glazed terracotta
work. Andrea della Robbia (1435-1525), Luca's
nephew and pupil, and Andrea's sons continued
the family business, inheriting the formula
for the vitreous terracotta glaze. The blue
and white medallions of foundling children
1463-66 on the Ospedale degli Innocenti,
Florence, are typical. Many later works are
more elaborate and highly coloured, such as
the frieze 1522 on the facade of the Ospedale
del Ceppo, Pistoia.