| Huntsville Museum of Art Houses Buccellati Animals | |
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The Huntsville Museum of Art has some fascinating animals caged in its halls. The magnificent display is the work of the luxury Italian jewelry firm of Buccellati. "The Silver Menagerie" was donated to the Museum from Betty and Charles Grisham's private collection.
This exquisite exhibition will
be on display through April 18, 2004. After the exhibition closes, the
Museum plans to send the Buccellati collection “on the road” for an extended
national tour.
Highlights of the Museum’s year-long display will include a small rabbit; a four-foot tall flamingo; an intriguing eagle perched on a base of petrified wood; a turkey with inset carnelian eyes; and a spectacular marine centerpiece consisting of various sea creatures arranged around an oversized natural amethyst geode.
The Buccellati family of
goldsmiths has been active in Milan since the mid-18th century. Mario
Buccellati founded the present House of Buccellati in 1919 along with the “Buccellati
style” which is comprised of Renaissance period techniques and the combination
of luxury materials with an extensive use of texture engraving to create objects
of great beauty. This unique style
won favor with discriminating clientele that included the Vatican as well as the
Royal Houses of Italy, Spain, Belgium, England, and Egypt.
Mario’s son Gianmaria
Buccellati carries on the tradition today. His signature silver animals are a
result of a new method of creation known as lavorazione a pelo or “hair-like workmanship.” An animal
reproduced a pelo is the result of
welding many silver hairs or feathers, giving the exact appearance of the “natural”
coat. These signature silver
animals replicate creatures from earth, sea and sky in a highly realistic manner
that captures details like feathers, hair or different types of skin.
We are fortunate that our local Museum of Art has such a rare collection and we can view it at our leisure. Take advantage of the opportunity soon.
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