John J. Gredler Works of Art

Pair of 18th Century Hand Carved Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Masks

Pair 18th Century Italian Neoclassical hand carved giltwood and red paint masks in high relief. Each showing a female goddess with a diadem in her hair and serene facial expression, with drapery folds underneath. The gilded heads carved in deep relief on a rectangle framed with red wash over gilding. Lovely carvings, each with an iron ring on the reverse for hanging. Though small in scale, these carvings have a lot of presence. We have another slightly smaller scale pair for sale also. Provenance: a Bedford NY estate.  Circa 1790.

7.25" h  x  5.75" w  x  2" d

The Neoclassical style is based on the principles of simplicity and symmetry, which were seen as virtues of the arts of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, and drawn directly from 16th-century Renaissance Classicism. Neoclassicism was strongest in architecture, sculpture and the decorative arts, where classical models in the same medium were relatively numerous and accessible.

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor cracks and crazing from age that only add to the allure. Minor loses to the gilding.