FLORENCE, ITALY – For the first time, the porcelain statues of Doccia are on exhibit at the National Museum of Sculpture in the Bargello.
In The Beauty Factory. Manifattura Ginori and his population of statues, the most important sculptures produced in the first period of the Manifattura, in dialogue with works from the Museum’s permanent collection, are presented in all their splendour and beauty in a unique comparison with the waxes, crockery or brass which served as the model. The fireplace is amazing. On its sides, we can recognize the reductions of the Michelangelo allegories found in the Medicean Chapels – restored for this occasion.
In the year 1735, the Marquis Carlo Ginori founded in Doccia, Sesto Fiorentino, near Florence, the oldest Italian porcelain factory. Subsequently it grew with the addition of services produced over the centuries for illustrious clients like the Habsburgs, Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Bonaparte, the House of Savoy and the Rothschilds. Exhibits include early prototypes, Rococo forms, Empire-style objects, richly decorated pieces from the second half of the 19th century and stylized ones designed by Giò Ponti. There are also some interesting late-Baroque waxes produced by sculptors working for the Medici grand dukes, which were used as models for porcelain statuettes and groups.
The exhibition La Fabbrica della Bellezza. La Manifattura Ginori e il suo popolo di statue (The Beauty Factory. Manifattura Ginori and his population of statues) is being held at the Museo del Bargello, from 18 May to 1 October 2017.