white terracotta with wooden base
32 X 17 1/2 X 10 inchesbase: 11 X 15 1/2 X 2 inches
signed and dated
Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000
Price Realized:
$168,750
Includes buyer's premium
from the collection of the late Evelyn & Thomas Langbert of the Ritz Park Avenue
excellent
Leoncillo Leonardi was an Italian sculptor known for his unique and innovative approach to ceramic art, a field he learned a great deal about as as a young manager at Ceramiche Rometti.
In 1946, he played a crucial role as one of the founding members of the Nuova Secessione Artistica Italiana, which later evolved into the Fronte Nuovo delle Arti. Soon after, his artwork was showcased in the sculpture exhibition held during the art competition at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Up until the mid-1950s, his artistic creations primarily consisted of figurative pieces, but he gradually transitioned into a more abstract style, focusing instead on creating shapes and textures that conveyed emotion and energy. His works often featured rough surfaces, bold lines, and dynamic compositions, reflecting the influence of abstract expressionism.
His talent and dedication were recognized with the prestigious Premio Faenza award in both 1954 and 1964 and again when he won the sculpture prize at the Biennale di Venezia in 1968.
Leonardi's choice of medium, is significant in itself. During his time, ceramic was often considered a craft rather than a fine art form. Leonardi elevated ceramics to a higher status by using it as a medium for sculptural expression. His works challenged the boundaries of traditional ceramics and pushed the medium into the realm of contemporary art.
Leonardi drew inspiration from ancient cultures, mythology, and symbols, infusing his works with a sense of timelessness and universality. He explored themes such as human existence, spirituality, and the relationship between man and nature. His sculptures often contained symbolic elements that invited viewers to interpret and contemplate their meaning.
Photo: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Italia
