Saint Antonino, Dominican Archbishop of Florence (b. 1389, archbishop 1446, d. 1459)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bust of *Saint Antonino, Dominican Archbishop of Florence* (1389–1459), by Giovanni della Robbia the first half of the16th century, captures revered cleric's serene piety. Saint Antonino, or Antoninus, rose from humble Dominican roots to become Florence's archbishop in 1446, renowned for his charitable works, strict moral reforms, and scholarly writings on theology. Canonized in 1523, he became a symbol of Florentine devotion, and such sculptures honored his legacy in churches and homes. Giovanni della Robbia, a master of the illustrious Florentine della Robbia family—famed for their vibrant glazed terracottas—here employs *carta pesta*, a lightweight papier-mâché technique painted with vivid colors. Standing just 18 inches tall, this innovative medium allowed for detailed, portable devotional sculptures, blending sculptural depth with painterly realism. The bust's lifelike features and Dominican habit reflect Renaissance ideals of naturalism and spirituality. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department (acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1918), this piece exemplifies Florence's Renaissance fusion of faith, artistry, and everyday piety, inviting visitors to connect with the city's saintly heritage.