Pair of pilasters depicting the torsos of two female figures. Two baskets full of fruit balancing on their heads recall Della Robbia style.
In the Renaissance era, the Della Robbia factory created majolica in the shape of a basket full of fruit and vegetables. Pomegranates, cucumbers, grapes and apples were typical elements of these compositions. Sometimes these wonderful profane objects were independent decorations, in other cases they were placed balancing on figures of various kinds, or used as lids for large vases.
Literature: Giancarlo Gentilini, I Della Robbia, Giunti, Prato, 1998, pages 266, 277, 279, 280.