Arnova/Moderna - Salvatore Melani - Statue, Oriëntalistische dromedaris met ruiter - 45 cm - Plaster, Composite
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Selected by Constance Rousseau
Master marquetry craftswoman with 4 years' expert experience. Trainee auctioneer at Sotheby's Paris.
Estimate € 150 - € 220
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Art Deco sculpture by Salvatore Melani depicting an Orientalist camel rider, made of plaster and composite with a bronze- and gold-coloured patina, circa 1920–1934.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Salvatore Melani (Arnova/Moderna) - Orientalist Dromedary with Rider - Plaster/Composite
Description
Beautiful and atmospheric decorative sculpture of an Arab traveler or trader on a dromedary (or camel). This expressive figure is designed by the well-known Italian artist Salvatore Melani (1902–1934) and is marked on the base with the model designation "ARNOVA. 515. S. MELANI".
About the artist, style and period
The artist: Salvatore Melani (1902–1934) was a talented Italian sculptor who gained wide renown during the Art Deco period for his dynamic and expressive figures. His work often encompassed exotic figures, animals, and scenes from the Middle East and North Africa.
Style & Theme (Orientalism & Art Deco): This piece fits seamlessly into the Orientalist movement, which centered on the early 20th-century fascination with distant travel and other cultures. The design combines this with strong Art Deco characteristics, visible in the bold lines and theatrical appearance of the 1920s/30s.
Manufacture by Arnova / Moderna: The model number 515 and the brand name Arnova (a renowned producer that later continued under the name Moderna) indicate the fabrication of this type of decorative sculpture. Originally Melani’s designs were often cast in bronze or régule, but for the interior-market they were also produced in plaster (composite). This specimen has been expertly painted and patinated with a warm bronze- and gold-toned finish.
Specifications
Artist: Salvatore Melani (1902–1934)
Manufacturer/Publisher: Arnova (later known as Moderna), model number 515
Style/Movement: Orientalism / Art Deco
Material: Plaster / Composite (with bronze- and gold-colored patina)
Period: Circa 1920–1934
Dimensions: 35 cm wide x 14 cm deep x 45 cm high
Weight: 4180 grams
Condition: In good, collectible condition with light signs of aging appropriate to the age and material (see photos).
Important information about shipping & unavailability
Careful packaging: We take utmost care in packing fragile objects. This lot will be shipped extra securely using a box-in-box method (a sturdy box wrapped in a second protective outer box) and will be surrounded by high-quality shock-absorbing materials (such as bubble wrap, corner protectors, and stuffing) to ensure it arrives undamaged at its destination.
Delivery notice: We are unavailable for business from November 19 to December 6. Lots auctioned during this period will be shipped to you only after December 6. Thank you for your understanding!
ps : The first photo was created with AI to create atmosphere
Seller's Story
**Welcome to Gerard Dou and Extraordinary Sales House**
We are Verkoophuis Gerard Dou en Buitenueel, located in the heart of Amsterdam. As a family business, active since 1933, we are proud of our rich history and dedication to our customers.
Our global network enables us to find special and affordable objects, which we select with care. With our years of experience, we ensure that your purchases arrive to you safely and responsibly. We attach great importance to sustainability and use recycled packaging materials.
Your trust is of great importance to us and we strive to surprise and delight you with your purchases.
Kind regards from Amsterdam,
The team of Verkoophuis Gerard Dou and Buitenueel
Translated by Google TranslateSalvatore Melani (Arnova/Moderna) - Orientalist Dromedary with Rider - Plaster/Composite
Description
Beautiful and atmospheric decorative sculpture of an Arab traveler or trader on a dromedary (or camel). This expressive figure is designed by the well-known Italian artist Salvatore Melani (1902–1934) and is marked on the base with the model designation "ARNOVA. 515. S. MELANI".
About the artist, style and period
The artist: Salvatore Melani (1902–1934) was a talented Italian sculptor who gained wide renown during the Art Deco period for his dynamic and expressive figures. His work often encompassed exotic figures, animals, and scenes from the Middle East and North Africa.
Style & Theme (Orientalism & Art Deco): This piece fits seamlessly into the Orientalist movement, which centered on the early 20th-century fascination with distant travel and other cultures. The design combines this with strong Art Deco characteristics, visible in the bold lines and theatrical appearance of the 1920s/30s.
Manufacture by Arnova / Moderna: The model number 515 and the brand name Arnova (a renowned producer that later continued under the name Moderna) indicate the fabrication of this type of decorative sculpture. Originally Melani’s designs were often cast in bronze or régule, but for the interior-market they were also produced in plaster (composite). This specimen has been expertly painted and patinated with a warm bronze- and gold-toned finish.
Specifications
Artist: Salvatore Melani (1902–1934)
Manufacturer/Publisher: Arnova (later known as Moderna), model number 515
Style/Movement: Orientalism / Art Deco
Material: Plaster / Composite (with bronze- and gold-colored patina)
Period: Circa 1920–1934
Dimensions: 35 cm wide x 14 cm deep x 45 cm high
Weight: 4180 grams
Condition: In good, collectible condition with light signs of aging appropriate to the age and material (see photos).
Important information about shipping & unavailability
Careful packaging: We take utmost care in packing fragile objects. This lot will be shipped extra securely using a box-in-box method (a sturdy box wrapped in a second protective outer box) and will be surrounded by high-quality shock-absorbing materials (such as bubble wrap, corner protectors, and stuffing) to ensure it arrives undamaged at its destination.
Delivery notice: We are unavailable for business from November 19 to December 6. Lots auctioned during this period will be shipped to you only after December 6. Thank you for your understanding!
ps : The first photo was created with AI to create atmosphere
Seller's Story
**Welcome to Gerard Dou and Extraordinary Sales House**
We are Verkoophuis Gerard Dou en Buitenueel, located in the heart of Amsterdam. As a family business, active since 1933, we are proud of our rich history and dedication to our customers.
Our global network enables us to find special and affordable objects, which we select with care. With our years of experience, we ensure that your purchases arrive to you safely and responsibly. We attach great importance to sustainability and use recycled packaging materials.
Your trust is of great importance to us and we strive to surprise and delight you with your purchases.
Kind regards from Amsterdam,
The team of Verkoophuis Gerard Dou and Buitenueel
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
Arnova/Moderna
Country of origin
Italy
Style
Art Deco
Material
Composite, Plaster
Artist
Salvatore Melani
Title of artwork
Oriëntalistische dromedaris met ruiter
Signature
Plate signed
Edition
515
Colour
Bronze
Condition
Good condition
Height
45 cm
Width
35 cm
Depth
14 cm
Weight
4180 g
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