Roman Ceramic Tiles with Painted Landscape, Monterotondo, 1940s, Set of 3

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Measurements:
height: 20 cm; width: 20 cm; depth: 1 cm; total weight: 2.104 kg

a wonderful lot consisting of three … Read more Measurements:
height: 20 cm; width: 20 cm; depth: 1 cm; total weight: 2.104 kg

a wonderful lot consisting of three splendid quadrangular majolica tiles that extend in width to create an extraordinary landscape view. Two of the three tiles are signed "snel" on the decoration, while the backs all bear the stamped mark of s.a. Ceramica laziale of monterotondo (rome). Made around the mid-20th century (circa 1940-1960). Unfortunately, we have not found any additional information on this artist; it is likely an acronym composed of the initial of the first name and the first three letters of the surname, such as sandro nelli or stefano nelli. In our opinion, the acronym or cursive signature present on the artifacts finds its most coherent historical and stylistic place in the workshop initials or monograms typical of the art workshops active in the rome and lazio regions. This region, strongly influenced by the influence of the roman school, witnessed a dense production of decorative tiles and panels characterized by thick glazes and a marked freedom of expression, far removed from the rigid traditional stylistic features of romagna. These works, therefore, in our opinion, constitute a precious testimony to the artistry of ceramic wall tiles of central italian origin. This specific area favored the use of thick, local clays, refractory and reactive to muffle kiln firing, capable of enhancing the sagging and controlled defects in the glazes. The exceptional nature of these three tiles lies in their refined conception. They are not a single, large fresco divided into three parts (a continuous landscape), but rather three independent paintings designed to be displayed together, conceived to decorate a wall while maintaining perfect chromatic and thematic harmony. This makes them even more interesting, as each tile possesses its own geometric and narrative completeness, yet maintains the same chromatic harmony. They can therefore be displayed individually, each with its own frame, or all together within a single frame. The tiles feature a polychrome enamel layer over the white enamel background, with a strongly impressionistic and material sensibility, evident in the vibrant chiaroscuro of the tall trees and the liquid reflections of the river water in the foreground. The figurative composition unfolds through a skillful alternation of architecture and nature: on the left, the profile of a rural village stands out, dominated by a spire-shaped bell tower; the central panel features a typical colonial farmhouse with a prominent chimney; while the last element on the right tightens the frame with a characteristic blue fence surrounded by dense vegetation. The perfect preservation of the glossy glaze and the integrity of the edges enhance its high decorative value, offering a work ready to be framed or hung on a wall as a precious decorative element. A splendid and evocative triptych in artistic majolica that represents a true excellence in twentieth-century italian ceramics.
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