Neo-Renaissance Ceramic Vase with Cherubs and Harpies Decor by Alfredo Santarelli, Gualdo Tadino, Italy, Late 1800s

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Description

Item description:
Wonderful glazed ceramic vase with two handles, entirely hand-modeled on a potter's wheel and then hand-decorated with Raphaelesque … Read more Item description:
Wonderful glazed ceramic vase with two handles, entirely hand-modeled on a potter's wheel and then hand-decorated with Raphaelesque motifs and harpies. Two central scenes with cherubs, different on both sides, painted by the artist with a fine brush and finished with beautiful golden and ruby metallic glazes from Siena. The vase is signed with one of Alfredo Santarelli's earliest and oldest marks, belonging to the artist's early production, dating from around the late 1800s or early 1900s.

Useful information for evaluating the item:
From an internet search, we find that Alfredo Santarelli has numerous auction results, and the four highest results we found range from €1,200 to €2,600 plus auction fees of 25-30% for four vases. Auction estimates range from €200-300 for smaller, simpler ceramics to €1,500-3,000 for larger vases with decorations, lustres and richer, more complex workmanship. Finally, on the most important online sales platforms for art and antiques, Santarelli's ceramics (tea sets, vases, cake stands, planters) are offered at a minimum of €400-500 up to around €2,000. This is to give a general idea of the value of this artist's works.

Final considerations on the object:
The Raphaelesque decorations on the central belly of the vase are very beautiful and the harpies depicted are wonderful, each one slightly different from the other. The two masks at the base of each of the two handles, the Sienese lustre handles and the leaf decoration at the top and bottom are reminiscent of Ginori or Cantagalli vases. The entire vase is covered in a beautiful antique patina and the metallic lustres are fabulous. The two main decorations, different on both sides, are also particularly valuable. They were created by the artist with a brush tip. Note the beauty of the perspective and the cherubs depicted, two true works of art on ceramics.

Information about the artist and/or manufacturer:
Alfredo Santarelli (1874-1957) is one of the most important and internationally renowned artists of the 20th century from Gualdo Tadino. Some of his works are preserved in the Civic Museum of Gualdo Tadino and the Museum of Gubbio. He collaborated with several manufacturers in Gualdo Tadino and created many works, boasting numerous auction results and thousands of collectors.

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