Important Silversmiths - Eugenio & Luigi Avolio
20th Century Italian silver pair of sculptural candelabra with gilded rococo bases on marble stands, representing a male and female centaur each holding a cornucopia supporting a acanthus leaf five light candelabrum.
All figures signed Avolio, a very important silversmiths firm specializing in impressive sculptural pieces inspired to Classical Italian art. Hallmarked 800 (800+ silver standard), Signed Avolio (Luigi & Eugenio Avolio, active 1935-1971)
Reference Number: A5735
Eugenio Avolio (1876-1929) was a famous sculptor, silversmith and engraver. He lived and worked in Naples between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. He was apprenticed to the popular artist and sculptor Vincenzo Gemito. Professor at the Arts Academy in Naples, he received several international awards.
Although he produced several bronze sculptures - especially First World War memorials - he - and Luigi Avolio later (active between 1935 and 1971) - specialised in silver sculptures and monumental pieces inspired by 17th century Italian Baroque and Classical Art. Eugenio and Luigi had a retail shop in corso Umberto, Naples.
20th Century Italian E.Avolio silver group of sculptures on ormolu bases, a larger statue of Neptune flanked by two smaller statues, each beautifully modelled as sea gods. All signed E.Avolio (Eugenio Avolio, Naples)
Reference Number: A4573
Unfortunately, although an Italian hallmarking system was introduced in 1872, the use of a maker’s mark was an uncommon practice among Italian silversmiths until 1935 and in fact Avolio’s artworks are often unmarked.
Nowadays, Eugenio and Luigi Avolio’s artworks are sought after by specialists and collectors for their fine execution and for the high quality of the silver they used.