29. SILVER FIGURE OF A CLOWN. VITTORIO ANCINI ITALY, AREZZO, SECOND HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY

An expressive silver cabinet figure of a clown created by the Italian jewellery workshop Ancini in the second half of the 20th century. The sculpture depicts a comic circus character dressed in a characteristic costume: shortened trousers, a loose jacket with large decorative buttons, and a large bow tie decorated with coloured enamel inserts. The face of the character is rendered in a grotesque theatrical manner with exaggerated expression: a widely opened mouth, accentuated wrinkles, and a bright red nose, the traditional attribute of a circus clown.

The plasticity of the figure conveys a dynamic stage gesture: the character leans slightly forward with arms spread, as if addressing the audience. The surface of the silver is carefully polished, allowing light to play across the folds of the costume and emphasising the sculptural modelling of the garment. Additional decorative richness is created by enamel elements: coloured inserts on the bow tie and buttons, as well as the contrasting red nose that enhances the theatrical character of the figure.

Stylistically, the work belongs to the tradition of decorative cabinet sculpture produced by Italian silversmith workshops in the second half of the 20th century, which frequently explored themes of circus art and comic stage imagery. Such figures were intended as decorative interior objects and collectible works, combining refined silver craftsmanship with expressive genre sculpture.

Marks: Maker’s mark “ANCINI”; Italian assay marks “925 ITALY”; manufacturer’s registration number “1547 AR” (Arezzo); additional mark “Z”.
Dimensions: Height: 20 cm; width: 7 cm.
Weight: 641 g.
Condition: Good.
Provenance: Private collection.