Scenes of the New Testament

In 1445, Luca della Robbia formed a partnership with Michelozzo di Bartolomeo (1396–1472) and Maso di Bartolommeo (1406–ca. 1456). In 1446 they were commissioned together to create the northern gate of the sacristy in bronze in the Florentine cathedral. Donatello (1386 or 1387; d. 1466) was commissioned earlier but because of his slow progress the order was cancelled. Robbia made ten reliefs, which represent the evangelists, the Madonna with Child and scenes from the Life of Christ. The coloured terracotta Resurrection tympanum earlier made by Luca della Robbia was also placed above the gate. The Museum purchased the plaster cast of this gate in 1907, and the copy was installed in the Renaissance Hall in 1908. The reliefs of the gate were restored in 1999 and in 2005, since when they have been exhibited in the University and National Library University of Debrecen.