Mid-Century Ceramic Sculpture by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s)

Mid-Century ceramic sculpture of a wild boar by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s). An unusual and rare work by the artist, he most likely chose a wild boar as subject because they figure so prominently in the Italian countryside. The Italian word for wild boar is 'cinghiale' and they are hunted and subsequently eaten in a variety of dishes from pasta to sausages. In many places such as Tuscany they cause a great deal of damage by foraging in vineyards and completely destroying all the vines. A hearty beast, this piece is a tribute to its presence in Italian life. The ceramic is a lustrous green and brown standing on a base of white with turquoise accents. It is solid and weighty. Given its age, it is in very good condition. A museum piece it could be - strikingly decorative. Please see the accompanying photos to the listing. Upon request a video may be provided. 

About the Artist: Guido Gambone (1909–1969) is one of the most prominent Italian ceramicists of the 20^th century. Guido Gambone defined a unique style in which he fused traditional ceramic methods with amorphous forms that echoed equally the art of the past and of his modern day. His dynamic objects, in which he often experimented with glazes and patterns, garnered great popularity and today are treasured holdings in private and public collections such as those at the Brooklyn Museum in New York.

Born in Montella in the southern Italian region of Campania, Gambone received his earliest training in the art of ceramics at the Manifattura Artistica Ceramica Salernitana in nearby Vietri sul Mare. He continued his studies at the Industria Ceramica Salernitana (I.C.S.) and eventually took over as director of the facility in 1935. The following year, he moved northward to Florence with fellow ceramicists Vincenzo Procida and Francesco Solimene to assist in the production of the Cantagalli ceramics company, which derived its name from founder Ulisse Cantagalli (1839–1901) and specialised in reviving the rich colours and patterns of the Maiolica tradition.

1950 marked the showcase of one of Gambone’s collaborative works at a group exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, and the following year Gambone enjoyed his first solo showing at the Galleria Il Milione in Milan. By the end of the decade, Gambone had achieved international acclaim for his pieces but died two years later at the age of 60.

Dimensions:

H 15.0 cm / 5.9"

L 17.5 cm / 6.9"

W 9.5 cm / 3.7"