Important European Terracottas: Tomasso Brothers Fine Art

This catalogue presents a selection of important European terracotta sculptures from the neolithic to the neoclassical periods, tracing the history of fired clay from the Vinca civilization to the neoclassical era. It includes works by North Italian, Flemish, and French artists, such as a Portrait Relief of a Lady and a Portrait Bust of a Man by Servatius Cardon and Philippe-Laurent Roland, respectively. The exhibition and catalogue also demonstrate how terracotta was essential to artistic practice as a means for sculptors to develop ideas and compositions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 135 pages
Publication date: 20 March 2018
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing

This comprehensive catalogue showcases a remarkable collection of European terracotta sculptures spanning from the Neolithic to the Neoclassical eras. Accompanying the exhibition, the accompanying text delves into the history of fired clay, beginning with the Vinca civilization in South-Eastern Europe during the fifth millennium BC, which produced the captivating Idol of a Mother and Child featured in the show. From there, it traces the evolution of clay through the ancient classical period, the Renaissance, and the high Baroque, culminating in the Neoclassical era.

Among the featured artworks are a remarkable Portrait Relief of a Lady from late fifteenth-century North Italy, meticulously described as an idealized representation. Additionally, an attentively crafted Portrait Bust of a Man from Emilia in Northern Italy, circa 1500, stands as a testament to the emergence of terracotta as a medium for portraiture, which persisted even into the early modern period.

Further highlights include a Portrait Bust of a Gentleman by the esteemed Flemish sculptor Servatius Cardon (1608–1649), as well as a poignant Portrait of a Young Man attributed to the renowned French artist Philippe-Laurent Roland (1746–1816). This latter work represents a pivotal moment in the history of portraiture, where hierarchy and status yield to the expression of individuality and emotion.

In parallel to this artistic evolution, the exhibition and catalogue underscore the essential role of terracotta in sculptors' practices, highlighting a recently discovered terracotta model for an allegorical representation of Winter by the Venetian Baroque master Giovanni Bonazza (1654–1736). This model provides a valuable insight into the sculptor's creative process, showcasing a highly accomplished model that could be carved in either stone or marble.

A similar case is illustrated by a Character Head executed by Antonio Canova (1757–1822) around 1780, when he was still a young artist. This work showcases Canova's mastery of terracotta, demonstrating his ability to translate his ideas into a finished work of art.

Overall, this catalogue and exhibition offer a captivating journey through the rich history of European terracotta sculptures, showcasing the evolution of artistic expression and the enduring significance of fired clay as a medium for sculptors throughout different periods.

Weight: 1026g
Dimension: 246 x 284 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911300427