Gio Ponti - Design London Thursday, May 2, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Gio Ponti's 'Le Mie Donne': A Majolica Masterpiece

     

    In 1923, Gio Ponti conceived his inaugural series of decorative masterpieces, 'Le Mie Donne', exclusively crafted for Richard-Ginori. Each piece in this collection showcases a woman, affectionately referred to as a 'Donzella' by Ponti, portrayed in a series of compelling poses. These captivating characters, including Agata, Apollonia, Balbina, Emerenziana, Domitilla, Donatella, Fabrizia, Leonia, and Isabella, come to life within one of these creations.

     

    The women, suspended among clouds or reclining on large flower petals, are chronologically ordered by their conceptualisation. Ponti employed a diverse colour palette, utilising blue for women on clouds and yellow/blue combinations for those on flowers. Figures appear in varying shades of ochre, adorned with azure draperies. Remarkable are the distinctive and unique hairstyles that set each 'Donzella' apart. 

     

    Over the years, 'Le Mie Donne' series underwent significant transformations. Ponti expanded the scope to include depictions of figures reclining on giant flowers and incorporated imaginary architectural elements into the background, as exemplified in the present lot. Seeking to align with Parisian taste, he aimed to synthesise classical revival with Art Deco aesthetics, a pursuit he showcased at the 'Exposition Nationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes' in Paris in 1925.

     

    In 'Le Mie Donne' Ponti not only encapsulated the grace of femininity but also infused each woman with a distinct character. From Agata to Isabella, these figures transcend mere decoration, elevated to regal stature through Ponti's meticulous inclusion of specific architectural elements. Drawing inspiration from neoclassical Palladian motifs, each 'Donzella' assumes regal power, adorned with stylised pediments and cornices reminiscent of Venetian villas.

     

    A preliminary drawing of the present 'Isabella' plate. 
    Image: © Museo Ginori, Sesto Fiorentino

    The present model was showcased in 1925 at the Second International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Monza, a testament to Ponti's commitment to excellence in the realm of majolica craftsmanship. The composition's rigor and subtlety stand as a testament to Ponti's distinctive approach, elevating seemingly decorative objects into magnificent works of art.

    • Provenance

      Private collection, Varese

    • Literature

      Loris Manna, Gio Ponti: Le Maioliche, Milan, 2000, pp. 79-81
      Marco Romanelli, Gio Ponti: A World, Milan, 2002, p. 41

    • Catalogue Essay

      The present model 'Isabella' plate was exhibited at the 'II International Exhibition of Decorative Arts', Monza in 1925.

      Phillips wishes to thank Dott.ssa Oliva Rucellai for her assistance cataloguing the present lot.

    • Artist Biography

      Gio Ponti

      Italian • 1891 - 1979

      Among the most prolific talents to grace twentieth-century design, Gio Ponti defied categorization. Though trained as an architect, he made major contributions to the decorative arts, designing in such disparate materials as ceramics, glass, wood and metal. A gale force of interdisciplinary creativity, Ponti embraced new materials like plastic and aluminum but employed traditional materials such as marble and wood in original, unconventional ways.

      In the industrial realm, he designed buildings, cars, machinery and appliances — notably, the La Cornuta espresso machine for La Pavoni — and founded the ADI (Industrial Designer Association). Among the most special works by Gio Ponti are those that he made in collaboration with master craftsmen such as the cabinetmaker Giordano Chiesa, the illustrator Piero Fornasetti and the enamellist Paolo de Poli.

      View More Works

129

'Isabella' plate

designed 1924
Glazed earthenware.
48.8 cm (19 1/4 in.) diameter
Produced by Richard-Ginori, Doccia, Italy. Underside painted Ginori/334-232 E/Gioponti.

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
£10,000 - 15,000 

Sold for £20,320

Contact Specialist

Antonia King
Head of Sale, Design
+44 20 7901 7944
Antonia.King@phillips.com
 

Design

London Auction 2 May 2024