A Pair of 18th Century Castelli Maiolica Capriccio Landscapes

Castelli, Abruzzo, Italy – circa 1740–1770

A decorative pair of hand-painted Italian maiolica plaques depicting Arcadian landscapes with classical ruins and small figures in eighteenth-century dress. Each scene presents a picturesque architectural fragment, a columned ruin and arched gateway, set within wooded landscapes overlooking distant fortified towns and river valleys.

The compositions are framed by expressive wind-shaped trees and animated by groups of travellers in distinctive yellow coats and blue cloaks. Executed in a soft palette of olive greens, warm ochres and pale blues with delicate manganese outlines, the scenes reflect the painterly character associated with the celebrated maiolica workshops of Castelli in the Abruzzo region.

During the eighteenth century Castelli was one of Italy’s most important centres of decorated maiolica production, renowned for finely painted landscapes inspired by contemporary engravings and Italianate capriccio painting closely connected with the Grand Tour.

The plaques survive as a well-balanced decorative pair and are presented in later giltwood frames. The reverses retain slab-cutting marks typical of hand-formed earthenware plaques together with later scratched inscriptions.

• Origin: Castelli, Abruzzo, Italy
• Date: circa 1740–1770
• Material: Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
• Frames: Later giltwood frames
• Condition: Good decorative condition consistent with age