Antique Italian Cantagalli Plate, Decorated With Putti, 19th Century – Large

Terracotta majolica plate with monochrome painting. The plate features a raised, moulded rim decorated with shells, cherubs, and alternating landscapes, all within a royal heraldic rope held by cupids. On the reverse side of the rim, floral patterns are applied with quick brushstrokes.
Ulisse Cantagalli (1839–1901) was an Italian potter from Florence, born into the renowned Cantagalli family, which had been associated with ceramics since the 15th century. While it remains unclear whether they were initially manufacturers or traders, it is known that they were well known in Impruneta (a town south of Florence) as kiln makers, land and property owners. By the early 18th century, the Cantagalli factory was producing ceramics in Florence.
Under Ulisse's guidance, the artisans flourished, fulfilling his dream of creating a center for the decorative arts that showcased Italian talent. He frequently explored art galleries, museums, and private collections, seeking inspiration from Renaissance majolica. When he found a design he liked, he would sketch it onto large acetate sheets using pastel colors and tempera. His surviving sketchbooks testify to his skill, artistic talent, and attention to detail.
According to Sheila Forbes, in the 1870s, "the English influence was so strong that Florence came to be called 'glorious English Florence,'" a term used by discerning collectors such as Frederick Stibbert, H.P. Horne, and others like Lord Carmichael, John Ruskin, William Morris, and William de Morgan. Ulisse developed a special working relationship with these prominent figures.
Cantagalli became popular with both local and foreign collectors on the Grand Tour, providing them with high-quality reproductions of Robbian and Renaissance majolica, chandeliers, and Islamic and maritime style objects. He decorated the Stibbert house in Florence, now a museum, and made ‘tondi’ (round sculptures) in the della Robbia style for the Palazzo Pitti. Margaret Cantagalli, Ulisse’s wife, worked alongside him, maintaining strong relationships with British buyers.
By 1895, Manifattura Cantagalli was well-known throughout Europe, employing 121 people and producing a catalogue featuring 1,069 pieces. Ulisse continued searching for new designs, visiting factories in Italy and abroad. In 1892, he visited the Azulejos factory in Seville, then travelled to Tangier. In 1901, he travelled to Egypt for inspiration, where he fell ill and passed away.
Manifattura Cantagalli continued to thrive under Margaret Cantagalli's leadership. After her death in 1930, their daughter Flavia took over the business. However, her attempts to move away from the company’s traditional commitment to majolica were unsuccessful, and the factory finally closed in the 1950s.
The Cantagalli brand became synonymous with the "singing rooster," a visual representation of the family name. The rooster, with an open beak, elongated neck, and one claw raised upwards, became the factory’s iconic mark. Early Ulisse pieces also featured a shield and the family crest, but by 1880, the rooster became the most commonly used symbol.
Dimensions:

Diameter: 42 cm

Height: 8 cm

Weight: 2080 g

Condition:

Minor damage to the enamel on the back side. Otherwise, the plate is in excellent antique condition.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.