This circular Della Robbia-like sculpture lies on the wall outside of Caleruega dining hall. It is made with terracotta, which was a form of sculpture that Della Robbia is credited with perfecting. Della Robbia would coat the terracotta with durable colorful glazes to fuse with the clay and give them their porcelain appearance. It is in the traditional Della Robbia style of a white figure on a blue background. 

 

     Wreathed around the sculpture is a bouquet of fruits such as grapes and oranges, with an attention to detail. The symbolism of the fruits surrounding Saint Dominic could be a symbol of abundance or bounty. It could also show Saint Dominic’s youth and overall spirit. The wreath around the edges is interestingly colored while the figure is not.

 

     The man portrayed in the sculpture is Saint Dominic. Saint Dominic was a Castilian priest who founded the Dominican order. He was born in 1170 in Caleruega, Spain. Upon the creation of the Dominican order, he placed his two principal houses near the universities of Paris and Bologna, and decided each should be a house of theology. This established the connection between the Dominican order and education, which has lasted until even today with Dominican University. He established the Dominican order of friars to preach to heretics and convert people. The sculpture was a gift from Mrs. Josephine Lyons to the Dominican Convent.