A pair of Tuscan maiolica vases and covers, Bartolomeo Terchi, Siena, circa 1726

Maria Antonia Gianetti, Milan (applied paper label);

Il Ponte, Milan, 29 - 31 May 2012, lot 431.

Pairs of vases signed and dated by Bartolomeo Terchi are extremely rare. A single vase in a private collection in Siena, bearing the same signature and date (1726) as the present pair, is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue Ceramica Chigiania a San Quirico, exhibition catalogue, Siena, 1996, no. 3.

The form of these vases, with gilt grotesque masks in relief, reflects the influence of Baroque Florentine decorative design pioneered by Giovan Battista Foggini and Domenico Maria Marmi from the last quarter of the 17th century through the first half of the 18th century. Vases of closely related form appear flanking the wall elevations for the cabinet of Grand Duchess Vittoria della Rovere, designed by Marmi and illustrated by E. Colle, I Mobili di Palazzo Pitti, 1537–1737, Florence, 1997, nos. 61 and 86.

The same painted subjects found on the present pair are also seen on a pair of vases in a private collection in Milan (see E. Pelizzoni and G. Zanchi, 1982, nos. 20–21).

Bartolomeo Terchi proudly signed these works Romano, reflecting his Roman origins, where he likely trained in the art of maiolica painting. He moved first to San Quirico d’Orcia in 1717, and later to Siena in 1724, to work in the maiolica manufactory founded by Bonaventura Chigi Zondadari (1652–1719), nephew of Cardinal Flavio Chigi (1631–1691), the powerful cardinal nipote of Pope Alexander VII Chigi (1655–1667).

Related Literature

E. Pelizzoni and G. Zanchi, La Maiolica dei Terchi, Florence, 1982, nos. 19-21, 23, 24;

C. Ravanelli Guidotti, Maioliche Italiane, Collezione Chigi - Saracini del Monte dei Paschi di Siena, exhibition catalogue, Florence, 1992, nos. 61, 62, 63, 64-66;

Ceramica Chigiania a San Quirico, exhibition catalogue, Siena, 1996, nos. 3, 5-8.