A Pair Of Commedia Dell’arte Figurines In Cozzi Venice Majolica, 18th Century.

Pair of Commedia dell’Arte figurines in Cozzi majolica
Venice, 18th century.

A rare and refined pair of majolica figurines attributed to the workshop of Geminiano Cozzi, the most prestigious Venetian manufacturer of the 18th century. The sculptures, dating from between 1770 and 1780, depict two famous Commedia dell’Arte characters: Pulcinella and Tartaglia.
The figure of Pulcinella is recognizable by his characteristic loose-fitting white robe, ruffled collar, and traditional black mask. The character, born in the Neapolitan tradition, is depicted with a lively and spontaneous demeanor, in accordance with the established iconography of the mask.
The second figurine depicts Tartaglia, a character belonging to the group of “old men” in the Commedia dell’Arte. He wears a polychrome costume with wide green and yellow bands, complemented by a large hat and a mask that accentuates his caricatured character. The elegant and theatrical pose reflects the expressive refinement typical of the finest Venetian productions of the period.
Both figures rest on original shaped bases, decorated with large masks and rocaille motifs, elements that evoke the Venetian Rococo style. The modeling is lively and precise, with particular attention to the rendering of drapery, facial expressions, and clothing details.
The Cozzi manufactory, active in Venice from 1765 to 1812, produced numerous figures inspired by theater, carnival, and daily life in the Serenissima, offering an original interpretation of the European taste for porcelain and ornamental ceramics. Symbols: red anchor for Tartaglia and blue anchor for Pulcinella. Pulcinella height 21 cm, Tartaglia height 20.5 cm.