Statue, Moro - 19 cm - Earthenware

Moro – Terracotta with Oxidized Gold Leaf
Unknown artist

Sculpture depicting a Moor, executed in terracotta and subsequently covered with gold leaf. The work was discovered in Naples and, based on its stylistic and typological characteristics, may be attributed to a production period between the late 19th and early 20th Century

Of particular interest is the surface, where the natural oxidation of the gilding has, over time, produced a complex chromatic layering. These tonal variations, developed spontaneously through the aging process, enhance the sculpture's material presence and emphasize the quality of its modeling.

The work stands out for the balance between the solidity of the terracotta and the expressive richness of its gilded surface, transformed by time. This interaction between material and aging contributes significantly to its character and uniqueness. The absence of a confirmed attribution leaves room for further historical and artistic investigation.

Details

* Material: Terracotta with gold leaf finish
* Artist: Unknown
* Provenance: Naples, Italy
* Dating: Presumably late 19th to early 20th century
* Dimensions: Height 19 cm; Width 18 cm; Depth 15 cm
* Condition: Good overall condition, with patina and oxidation of the gilding consistent with age

A sculpture distinguished by its remarkable material quality and the evocative chromatic evolution of its surface, reflecting the natural dialogue between the artwork and the passage of time.