Virgin and Child in a niche ca. 1460 Luca della Robbia Italian One of the most distinguished sculptors of the early Renaissance, Luca della Robbia created famous works in marble, such as the Cantoria (Singing Choir) for the organ loft of Florence Cathedral, and in bronze, such as the doors of the North Sacristy of the same church. His name is, however, most closely identified— and indeed nearly synonymous with— sculpture in tin-glazed terracotta. In this medium he specialized in images of the Madonna and Child, particularly for private devotions, and began a practice of reproducing them in casts, which members of his family and large workshop continued into the sixteenth century.The Bliss Madonna, a glazed terracotta known in one other example (see below), is a quintessential Luca della Robbia work. Seen in half-length, the Virgin occupies a niche defined by gold-painted ribs against a turquoise ground. The frame is embellished with a floral design, and its upper corners are emblaz