Necklace, Umberto Mastroianni, mid-20th century

Of futurist design, the circular plaque decorated with sculptural mechanical objects, Italian assay and makers marks, gross weight approximately 223 grams.

 

Signed Mastroianni, Italian makers marks. Stamped 750 for 18 carat gold. Secure hook fastening. Scratches to metal consistent with wear. In good condition. Total weight approximately 223 grams.
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Umberto Mastroianni (1910-1998) was one of Italy's leading sculptors, active from the 1930s to the 1990s and based in Turin, followed by Rome. His early career was characterized by figurative forms which evolved into abstraction as Italy's war effort began to disintegrate around 1942. Inspired by artists such as Duchamp and Boccioni, his style would later be described as 'Cubist-Futurist'. His later exhibitions included the Venice Biennale (where he won the sculpture prize in 1958), New York (1964), Florence (1981) and Tokyo (1989). He is especially well known for his large scale municipal monuments honouring the Italian Resistance.