Art in Heaven

Posted by Kayla Malouin on

From their start, P.P. Caproni and Brother organized their collection - both in the showroom and in the catalogs - into different categories of art. One of these was the Italian Renaissance. As you may well be aware, this era of cultural growth and religious influence brought about the creation of many well-known artworks of Christian figures and themes, many by the great masters. These sculptures cause some visitors to our modern showroom to feel like they’ve crossed a threshold into Italy.

This is because we continue to offer reproductions from our historic collection that feature Italian Renaissance ChristMarythe saints, and angels. Let’s take a look at a few of these beautiful artworks below. You can also view all of the Christian Renaissance art we offer in a collection we have created here.

Desiderio da Settignano, the master sculptor of children, created this bust perhaps as a depiction of the infant Christ. We personally are in awe of how the artist created the child’s hair; the subtle detailing captures the fine strands of texture.

photo of plaster cast sculpture of boy from shoulders up with light tunic slipping off left shoulder with black background

Bust of a Little Boy - Item #784 

11 Inches High x 10 Inches Wide x 6 Inches Deep

Artist: Desiderio da Settignano
Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Time Period: Renaissance, c. 1455/1460
1911 Catalog ID # - 5163

 

The following piece is one of several reliefs we offer featuring the theme of the Madonna and Child. For us, the solemn and sweet faces attract our attention, and the baby fat makes the young Christ relatable: He is Godly yet human.

photo of plaster cast sculpture relief of the Madonna holding baby Jesus and angels in the background on a black background

Madonna and Child - Item #667

22 Inches High x 22 Inches Wide x 4 Inches Deep

Artist: Andrea della Robbia
Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Time Period: Renaissance, c. 1485
1911 Catalog ID # - 8384

 

Donatello’s series of cherubs decorated the Florence Cathedral. The cherubs are lively with joy, much like children playing. The design is complex, with not only the movement and the overlapping of figures, but with cherubs shown in low relief in the background juxtaposed against the high relief in the foreground, adding depth and dimension.

photo of plaster cast relief of children dancing with black background

Cherubs Dancing and Playing on Instruments, Panel B - Item #47

38 Inches High x 54 Inches Wide x 6 Inches Deep

(For Donatello's other Cantoria reliefs, see Items #48 to 50.)

Artist: Donatello
Museum: Museo dell' Opera del Duomo, Florence
Origin: Florence Cathedral (also known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and Il Duomo di Firenze), Florence
Time Period: Renaissance, 1433-1438
1911 Catalog ID # - 8364

 

There are many more pieces to explore, so we hope you check out our collection of Christian Renaissance art.

Warm regards,
Robert, Kathleen, Kayla and Lisa

P.S. Like the religious work but want to see something more modern? Consider this small contemplative plaque, sculptures of cupids or cherubs, depictions of Joan of Arc, Rodin’s sculpture of Eve, or the Milton Shield made through the repoussé process. Another Christian piece in our collection, though created in the medieval period, is this monk.

Please note: Sources used can be found on the corresponding product pages.

 

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