The work “The World”, created in the 1930s by Helen König Scavini and Mario Sturani for Lenci, represents one of the most interesting examples of Italian ceramic production of the Art Deco period. The Lenci manufactory, in fact, stands out in the European panorama for its ability to combine formal experimentation, executive quality and a strongly modern decorative language.
In this work, a nude female figure sits on a terrestrial globe decorated with stylized maps, animals, boats and simplified geographical references. However, the subject does not take on a realistic or scientific character: on the contrary, it is reinterpreted with an elegant and imaginative tone, typical of Lenci’s poetics. The elongated figure, the smooth face and the small geometric hat in fact reflect the Deco taste for synthesis of forms and linear refinement.
Moreover, the surface of the globe introduces a particularly rich narrative and decorative component. The brilliant polychromy and the meticulous drawing help to create an almost illustrative effect, balanced between fantasy and decoration. The presence of the small dog beside the figure also adds an element of lightness and everyday life.
From a technical point of view, the slip-cast maiolica terracotta painted in polychromy testifies to the high artisanal quality achieved by the Turin manufactory in the 1930s. On the other hand, the collaboration between Helen Konig Scavini and Mario Sturani gave rise to some of the most iconic works of Lenci production.
Overall, “The World” therefore stands as a creation capable of synthesizing Deco spirit, decorative research and narrative imagination, still maintaining a strong stylistic identity today.
Description: Slip-cast maiolica terracotta painted in polychromy, mark under the base ‘Lenci/Made in Italy/Torino/20.11.36/XV’ and decorator’s symbol, H cm 48×26.
Publications: “Lenci – Le Ceramiche 1919–1937”, Luciano Proverbio, 1986 – p. 178, no. 160; “Le Ceramiche Lenci” – Panzetta Catalogue p. 204, no. 607.
Hammer Price: € 11.780,00
Auction 35 – January 30th 2020 – Design and 20th Century Decorative Art
Discover all the top lots from our 20th Century Decorative Art auctions!
Do you own a work by Helen König Scavini? Request a free valuation right now!
Contact us:
