The development of decoration has always followed the practical functionality of an object. The items exhibited in the 30th edition of the Biennale allow to explore the refined evolution of the ornament up to its predominance in the design of an object.
ITALIC-CORINTHIAN PARADE HELMET WITH ENGRAVED RUNNING BOARDS (V Century BC.) by anonymousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This type of bronze helmet appears from VI century b.C. in Southern Italy as a derivation and adaptation of the Corinthian hard helmet type. This kind of helmet has been depicted in several mythologic representations (such as od Mars as Minerva) also after the end of its militar use (III century b.C.). This particular helmet has two running boards carved in the front. On the top of the cap we recognize the plume holder support. In the back the hint of the nape protection is very well shaped. It is in perfect condition, with traces of gilding still visible between the boar paws.
Cassone (XIV century - XIV century) by anonimousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Oval stand (End of XVI century - Beginning of XVII century) by anonimousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This oval stand was made in Trapani (South Italy), between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century.
Chioce Chandelier (1685/1772) by Giuseppe BriatiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
The neck of this vase was probably added in a later date.
Reliquary Holy Water Font, (17th century - 18th century) by anonimousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Plaque (first half of 18th century) by anonimousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
plate (1750ca.) by Manifattura Antonio FerrettiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Two similar plates are on display in Palazzo Madama in Turin in the room of XVIII century ceramics.
obelisks (XVIII cetury) by anonymousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This pair of Italian obelisks in ebony is decorated with lapis lazuli, jasper and agate.
Bureau à système (Third quarter of 18th century) by Atnonio RossBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
pair of benches (second half of XVIII century) by 0Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
The decoration of these lacquered benches represents floral motifs on a cream-colored background.
Marble and gilted bronze table (First quarter of the XIX Century) by anonymousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fruit bowl with fishes and roses (1919/1925) by Galileo ChiniBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
The outstanding ceramic fruit bowl with fishes and roses consists in a hemispherical body over a large base. It represents peacock feathers and roses armonicaly arranged towards the edge.
These two table lamps in galss with decorations on relief were made by Daum in Nancy, France.
Mask of Leopoldo Fregoli (1930 ca) by Nicola ArrighiniBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This mask in White Carrara Marble on black marble base represents Leopoldo Fregoli (Roma 1867 - Viareggio 1936). He was an actor, writer, director and the most famous transformist in the world. After him, the neologism “fregolismo” was also used to describe political changes.
cabinet (1932) by Gio PontiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This cabinet in walnut veneer was made for Gabriele D'Annunzio's "Opera Omnia".
armchairs (1935 ca.) by Andrè ArbusBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
A pair of standing lamps in brass and white painted metal,completed of six spherical glass diffusers are from Italy.
Carpet (1940 ca.) by anonymousBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Frame (1946) by Gio PontiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
A papier-maché frame made by ENRICO DEL MONTE, Faenza, circa 1946-1947, presents the label 'Dal Monte Faenza'on the wooden support.
Peacock (1960) by Fausto MelottiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This beautiful "peacock" vase in polychrome enameled ceramic (1960) was made by the Italian artist Fausto Melotti.
coffe tables (1970 ca.) by Jaques Duval BrasseurBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
This pair of coffee tables in golden bronze hides a surprise: in the center of the base is placed a pink quartz insert.
Table lamp the hand of Zeus (1970 ca.) by Jaques Duval BrasseurBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
A silver coffee pot from the "Tea and Coffee Piazza series”. Produced by Alessi, Italy, 1980.
I am gratefull to the staff of the Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato and the Secretary Fabrizio Moretti for allowing this partnership to happen.
Thanks to the galleries that supported and joined this exhibition.
Special thanks to the kindness and patience of the staff of the Google Cultural Insitute and all the friends that have supported me in this project.
Luigi de Benedetto
