Caltaginore, Sicily-17th Century Majolica Vase With Floral Decoration Called "a Fiori"

MAJOLIC OF CALTAGINORE, Sicily - Pot-bellied vase in polychrome earthenware in the so-called "a compendiario"* style, with a raised plant decoration on a blue enamel background surrounding, on one of its sides, a large flower with radiating petals and, on the other, a medallion decorated with the influence of a leafy acanthus foot; characteristic of Sicilian majolica pieces, these two motifs are illuminated by the whiteness of the tin-glazed enamel. Painted in blue, concentric lines adorn the neck, the heel of the vase decorated in the lower part of its body with a band with a frieze of stylized foliage. Work from the first third of the 17th century. Circa 1610 ________________ FLEUR DE SICILE- , Ovoid in shape with a cylindrical neck resting on a small heel, this interesting majolica vase with polychrome decoration advantageously displays on one of its faces a large and flattering flower with radiating white and yellow petals standing out against a background of modulated blue tones; on the other, it is adorned, within a medallion surrounded by curvilinear motifs with a nimbly drawn outline, with the influence of an acanthus foot whose flexuous and verdant leafy branches unfold against a predominantly opaque white background. Painted in two tones, azure light blue and bright yellow, ample and vigorous acanthus leaves, volutes and crossettes with delicate profiles surrounded by a lively line of manganese halo this radiant floral decoration, embellishing on a slate blue background punctuated with twisted motifs the sides of the vase. Enhance its shape, both sober and voluminous, concentric threads traced in blue brighten its neck, border its heel and, set a wide white enamel band decorated with a frieze with motifs of stylized acanthus leaves and seeds. Of real historical and artistic interest, this centuries-old vase testifies to the vitality of the Sicilian majolica workshops at the beginning of the 17th century, adapting rather than reiterating forms, decorations and stylistic modalities developed during the 15th and especially the second half of the 16th century by the preeminent centers (Faenza, Venice) of ceramic production in the Italian peninsula. Fullness and formal sobriety, warm and harmonious chromaticism, spontaneity and charm of its vegetal ornamentation enameled with a "solar" floral motif characterize this earthenware piece with a beautiful visual impact. * stile compendiario: style appeared in Faenza which generally imposed itself around the 1570s. It consists of a simplified decoration, lightly sketched in two colors - blue and yellow - enhanced with a fine manganese outline thus enhancing the white background of the tin-glazed enamel covering the earthenware. Related literature: Giacomotti, Jeanne, La Majolica de la Renaissance, Paris: PUF, 1961 -------- Materials: Faience Dimensions: H.: 28 cm; -Diam.: 28 cm. Italy, Sicily. Caltaginore Majolica Workshops. Faience work late 16th - early 17th century, Good general condition. Wear of time. Partial chips of the tin-bearing enamel.