Porcelain Figurines “allegory Of Art” By Achille Mollica, 19th Century

Amazing antique porcelain figurines depicting women in various artistic fields. These hand-painted bust figurines were made by the Italian company Mollica in the late 19th century. The busts are mounted on tapered white square columns with stepped Greek-style bases decorated in gold. At the bottom of the column is a blue mark with a crown and an "M". The Mollica family history begins in Naples, where Giovanni Mollica and his sons opened their porcelain and earthenware workshop in 1842. The brothers had an excellent instructor in their father, who had been the head of department at the original Capodimonte factory during the reign of King Ferdinand. In the late 1800s, Giovanni's three sons took over. Of these three brothers, Achille Mollica received great praise for his Renaissance-style painted vases and plates. Mollica pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have become highly collectible. The similarity between the Mollica mark and the Capodimonte mark was intentional, as the association with the Ginori factory was beneficial to both companies, providing consumers with a familiar brand to associate with. Between 1950 and 1970, the Mollica factory reached its peak under the direction of Carlo (Charles) Mollica. Mollica porcelain proved more popular than Ginori pieces, and Mollica is credited with reviving interest in Capodimonte porcelain in general. During this period, Mollica produced works of art that were on a par with the finest pieces in all of Italy. The factory produced a wide range of products, from classical Capodimonte to Lenci-type Art Nouveau. Its ability to produce such a wide variety of styles made it the envy of all other manufacturers of the time. Dimensions: Each figurine measures 11.4 inches tall. The total weight of the four figurines is 2,627 grams. Condition: The figurine personifying the painting has broken the tips of the brush held in the girl's right hand. It is also worth noting that each figurine appears to be composed of two parts: the bust itself and the column-shaped base. The factory's craftsmen then glued these parts together, and if you use a magnifying glass, this connection point is visible. It is visible in the enlarged photos. This is an inexplicable negligence for a company of such a level. Otherwise, all the figures are in excellent condition. Please study the photographs accompanying the item carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labor, packaging and postage.