Carlo Corvi, Madonna and Child, 1920s, Ceramic

Details

Description

Measurements:
height: 52 cm; width: 22.5 cm; depth: 10 cm; weight: 3.870 kg

item :
a spectacular, rare, large high-relief … Read more Measurements:
height: 52 cm; width: 22.5 cm; depth: 10 cm; weight: 3.870 kg

item :
a spectacular, rare, large high-relief sculpture made of majolica, entirely glazed with a gold lustre, depicting the madonna enthroned with child, flanked by praying angels and enriched by a sumptuous jeweled halo. The sculpture's distinctive lines and stylistic elements recall the solemnity of byzantine and late-medieval sacred statuary from the 14th to 15th centuries. This influence is reflected both in the hieratic features of the virgin's face and in the shape of the plaque with its pointed spire. The elongated feet, hair, and posture of the child also represent classic elements of the refined religious iconography of the byzantine era. The back of the work bears the signature of the "la farnesiana" factory, founded in parma by the sculptor carlo corvi, to whose artistic genius the piece is entirely attributed. The rich, third-fired, pure gold finish is visually striking, masterfully embellished with glossy, raised enamels in shades of cobalt blue and ruby ​​red. The application of these raised enamels, crafted in spherical beads that simulate gems and cabochon-cut settings, gives the ceramic the exquisite quality typical of ancient goldsmiths or medieval wooden pieces inlaid with semiprecious stones. The entire surface texture is characterized by a complex and meticulously hand-mottled texture, expertly crafted with gouges and metal tools; a highly refined, material bas-relief that creates unique, luminous vibrations, particularly appreciable in person. Finally, its monumental dimensions are noteworthy: the plaque measures a full 52 cm in height, 22.5 cm in width, and weighs nearly 4 kg.

useful information for appraising the object:
our research on the antiques market has highlighted an extremely limited presence of this manufacturer's lots at auctions, on major online art and antiques sites, or in major art galleries, testifying to a historically limited and elite production of this period. The rare market entries we have intercepted refer exclusively to the factory's mass-produced products (such as a vase estimated at €200-220 or a mirror priced at €400-600), which cannot even begin to match the sculptural quality, size, and historical-artistic importance of this plaque. Conversely, the extremely rare auction appearances of the master's monumental works and one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces, such as his celebrated architectural panel designs or monumental art mirrors with intricate hand-crafted draperies, consistently command elite prices exceeding €2,000-3,000, reaching peaks of as much as €5,000 for the most spectacular and complex sculptures. These market results demonstrate how corvi's independent sculptural production occupies a completely different collectible segment than ordinary objects. Our plaque is a unique sculpture, a masterpiece entirely modeled and crafted by hand. Given the superb technical prowess and monumentality of the work, it is highly likely a display piece, conceived by the artist for participation in some important art exhibition or national competition of the period. A ceramic artwork of exceptional rarity, destined for discerning collectors of fine antiques.

information on the artist and/or manufacturer:
carlo corvi is considered one of the last great exponents of the emilian verist movement. Born in parma in 1904, he abandoned his technical studies to enroll in 1921 at the institute of fine arts in his hometown, where he studied ornamental sculpture under alessandro marzarioli. After completing his studies, he moved to milan for two years, specializing in the studios of renowned sculptors. In 1923, he returned to parma, where he collaborated with architect giuseppe mancini on the high-relief monument to cleofonte mariotti for the city cemetery. He later became a professor at the state institute of art in his hometown and won the competition to illustrate the cover of the prestigious magazine aemilia. From the mid-1930s, he devoted himself intensely to portraiture and monumental commemorative statuary. During his career, he served as artistic director of two historic ceramic factories: "la farnesiana" and "ceramica di ferlaro." in 1941, he achieved national recognition by winning, together with emilio casadio, the renowned faenza prize at the third national ceramics competition with the monumental work "the mother of the legionary." the "la farnesiana" factory was founded in parma in 1952 by sculptor carlo corvi to create exquisite artistic ceramics. While its standard production included majolica, earthenware, and modern terracottas, as well as replicas of antiques, the absolute pinnacle of the factory's production was represented by the rare and unique pieces modeled directly by the master, of which this spectacular plaque is a masterful example. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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