Della Robbia Style Plaque:
Madonna and Child, Creekside Room
Written by Brittany Santos
In the work of the Della Robbia family, there are many religious symbols that can be identified. Della Robbia’s work is well known for its colorful terracotta with sculpted Biblical figures. On the exterior of the Creekside Room is a glazed lunette plaque of the Madonna with Child. The specific shape of a lunette refers to the French word, “little moon” as it appears as a half moon. It is round-headed with an arch sculpted out. Around the plaque is a colorful assortment of fruits, flowers and leaves, acting almost as a border or wreath. Within the flowers is the Madonna with Child, also known as Mary and the Infant Jesus. Looking closely, one is able to note that the Infant Jesus is holding a small bird in His hand.
What Makes This Art Piece Unique?
If one looks closely enough, one will notice that the Infant Jesus is holding a bird in His hands. During the Renaissance, birds were interpreted in a number of different ways that represented nature and Christ. The Goldfinch, one of the most well known birds in Renaissance art, presents the image of Christ’s human lifespan and emphasizes His divinity. Stories of Goldfinches are also symbolic of Christ’s resurrection. Medieval theologians believed that the Infant Jesus would play with clay birds and bring them to life. This would lead to His own manner of coming and rising back to life. Others believed that when Christ was walking down to Calvary, a small bird plucked a thorn from His crown. As it did, some of Christ’s blood smudged onto the bird, leaving it with red spots. This would explain why Goldfinches are now seen with red spots on their bodies. Goldfinches are also seen as protectors against diseases. The Goldfinch is one of the most recognized symbols for Christ as it relates to Christ’s identity: How He lived and died, His soul, resurrection and sacrifice.
What Does This Art Piece Mean to Dominican?
Along the bottom of the lunette plaque, there is a small inscription that says, “In Memory of Josephine C. Lyons”. It is a loving reminder from Dominican Sister, Patricia Lyons. Josephine was the mother of Sister Patricia, who played a great role in Dominican’s history and inspiration. Sister Patricia passed away in 2015. However, she attended Dominican College in San Rafael. She majored in music and grew to enjoy working with children and families. She entered the Dominican Order in 1938 and was a member of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael for 76 years. She founded and became the first principal of The Garden School, an institute for pre-school and kindergarten. Sister Patricia is remembered as “a kind, loving teacher who also firmly insisted on good behavior in the classroom and on the playground.” She left a legacy that would help shape teachers, leaders and the next generation. The Madonna and Child plaque by the Creekside Room is part of her beautiful legacy. In all, the art pieces around campus hold a lot of meaning to Dominican University.
Citations:
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“Signs and Symbols: The Goldfinch.” Fitzwilliam Museum, www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/pharos/collection_pages/middle_pages/563/TXT_BR_SS-563.html.
“Sr. Patricia Lyons, O.P.” Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, sanrafaelop.org/our-sisters/we-stand-on-their-shoulders/we-say-goodbye-to-sr-patricia-lyons-o-p/.
Stephenson, Dolores. “Goldfinch: Symbol for Resurrection.” Animals Matter to God, 3 June 2012, animalsmattertogod.com/2012/06/03/goldfinch-symbol-for-resurrection/.