The four embossed bronze composés—comprising pitchers and basins—depict allegorical scenes of Bacchantes and the Four Seasons. These pieces are both fascinating and of considerable historical and artistic value. The addition of the Colleoni family crest, one of Bergamo’s most prestigious lineages, makes these objects even more significant. Below is a detailed description of their features and historical context.
Description of the Pieces
Crafted in embossed bronze, these composés required complex workmanship. The embossing technique allows for detailed reliefs, creating three-dimensional effects that give great expressiveness to the figures represented. Bronze, with its warm tone and enduring durability, has historically been used for both art and decorative objects intended to last.
Decorative Motifs:
The allegorical scenes of Bacchantes evoke the cult of Dionysus (Bacchus), the god of wine and fertility, often accompanied in art by dancing figures and Dionysian festivities. Each composè represents one of the four seasons, likely with details alluding to specific symbols for each (e.g., flowers for spring, grapes for autumn). This reference to the seasons can symbolize the cycle of life and the fertility of nature, themes central to Renaissance culture.
Colleoni Family Crest:
The presence of the Colleoni family crest suggests these pieces were commissioned, probably as part of a private family collection or to commemorate a special event. The Colleoni family was renowned in Bergamo, with prominent figures such as the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni, celebrated for his patronage of the arts. This crest enhances the historical value of the pieces, linking them to a notable Italian family.
Function and Use:
Pitchers and basins were luxury items in noble households, serving both practical and decorative purposes. Given their complexity and artistic subject matter, these composés were likely displayed prominently to impress guests and showcase the family’s prestige.
Historical and Artistic Importance:
These composés represent a perfect fusion of art and symbolism, characteristic of the Renaissance or Baroque period, when noble families commissioned works that reflected both their status and cultural sensibilities. The iconography of Bacchantes and the Four Seasons, combined with the Colleoni crest, makes each piece unique, granting them inestimable artistic value.
Rarity and Condition:
The rarity of these pieces comes from their noble provenance, the quality of the bronze craftsmanship, and the presence of a crest linked to a historic family. When well preserved, they are exceptional examples of period artistic craftsmanship. Owning—or even simply admiring—these composés offers a rare opportunity to connect with a part of Italian artistic and cultural history, a privilege reserved for few.
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BRONZE Seller in
Torino, Italy
