Albertine, Baronne de Nivenheim 1768

Jean-Baptiste Nini created this terracotta roundel of Albertine, Baronne de Nivenheim, around 1768. Terracotta, meaning "baked earth" in Italian, is a low-fired ceramic material known for its versatility. Nini was a master of this medium, and here he used it to great effect, capturing the Baroness's likeness in exquisite detail. Note how he achieved the delicate texture of her hair and lace, and how the three-dimensionality and weight of the material gives the portrait a sense of presence and realism. Nini wasn't just a sculptor; he was also a glassmaker and ceramicist, demonstrating how artists of his time often worked across different media. The making of terracotta objects like this one was a craft-based industry, with specialized workshops producing everything from architectural ornaments to portrait medallions. By understanding the materials, making, and social context, we gain a deeper appreciation of how the hierarchies between fine art and craft are not so clear.