François I (1494–1547), King of France 1529

This portrait of François I, King of France, was made by the della Robbia family in the 16th century using glazed terracotta. The della Robbias were Florentine sculptors who elevated terracotta far beyond its humbler uses. They brought it into the realm of high art through their innovative glazing technique. This involved applying a colored glaze to the terracotta, then firing it at high temperatures. This process gave their sculptures a durable, almost ethereal quality. You can see how the smooth, reflective surface catches the light, enhancing the fine details of François's features and clothing. The family workshop was highly organized, involving many hands in the production process. From shaping the clay to mixing and applying the glazes, each step required specialized skills. The results are a testament to the power of craft traditions, and the ability of skilled artisans to transform humble materials into objects of lasting beauty.