Castelli Plate, Italy, ca. 1750

Castelli plate, Italy, ca. 1750.
Majolica.
Small nick on the right edge.
Measurements: 20.5 x 27 cm.

This is a virtuoso example of a majolica plate by Castelli depicting a classical mythological scene. The composition shows several figures in a pastoral landscape, very characteristic of Castelli's work. In the foreground, we see what appears to be a romantic or mythological encounter between figures draped in blue and gold drapery. There is a reclining female figure and what appears to be a cherub or putto nearby. Above them, a flying figure (probably representing a god, goddess or allegorical figure) carries what appears to be a basket of fruit or flowers, suggesting themes of abundance or divine gifts. The scene is set in an idyllic landscape with classical architectures (typical of Castelli). The color palette is also typical of Italian manufacture (soft blues dominating the drapery, golden yellows and muted earth tones in the landscape). The painting technique shows the fine brushwork and attention to detail that made Castelli's ceramics so prized.

Castelli was a locality, not a person or a specific factory. It became famous throughout Europe for its majolica pottery, especially between the 16th and 18th centuries. Castelli pottery was characterized by its exceptional quality, intricate decorative techniques and distinctive style, which set it apart from other Italian ceramic centers such as Faenza, Urbino or Deruta. The majolica tradition in Castelli was dominated by several important families of potters who passed on their techniques from generation to generation: The Grue family (Francesco, Antonio, Aurelio and Carmine Antonio; The Gentili family (in particular Bernardino); The Cappelletti family.

The Castelli ceramists were especially famous for their plaquettes (small decorative plates) and their large plates (piatti da pompa), which were often made for noble families and churches. These pieces were considered among the finest examples of ceramic art in Europe at the time. The decline of Castelli's ceramic industry occurred at the end of the 18th century, partly due to economic factors and the rise of other ceramic centers. However, its legacy lives on and Castelli ceramics are today highly prized by collectors and can be found in major museums around the world.