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CARLO PARLATI
(Torre del Greco, 1934 - Torre del Greco, 2003)

Coral carving depicting a female figure, 1980s

Height x width: 4.5 x 3 cm. Weight: 13.6 g

entirely carved from a single branch of Cerasuolo coral (Corallium elatius) of exceptional chromatic quality.
The composition is distinguished by the refined dialogue between the sculptor's intervention and the coral's natural morphology. The female face, characterized by delicate features and a serene, gently smiling expression, emerges harmoniously from the organic mass of the material, while the outer portion preserves the branch's naturally alveolar structure, skilfully transformed by the artist into an elegant ornamental element.
The interplay between flawlessly polished surfaces and areas deliberately left with a more natural texture creates a striking sculptural contrast, enhancing both the coral's lustrous brilliance and the complexity of its natural structure. This harmonious balance between figurative sculpture and organic form is one of the most distinctive hallmarks of Carlo Parlati's artistic vision.

The sculpture bearing the characteristic Parlati signature.

This lot is available for sale only with shipments within the European Union.

Literature:
Antonio Uliano, Carlo Parlati. Sulle sculture in corallo di Carlo Parlati, Ars Magistra Arts, Napoli-Roma, 1983.

Carlo Parlati is widely regarded as the most innovative figure in modern Italian coral sculpture. Trained within the centuries-old carving tradition of Torre del Greco, he transformed the ancient craft of coral carving into a truly contemporary sculptural language, elevating it beyond the realm of decorative arts to that of autonomous works of art.
His oeuvre is distinguished by the ability to exploit the natural forms of coral as the generating element of each composition, skillfully integrating them with gold, silver, and hardstones to create highly original sculptural works. Among the most celebrated subjects in his production are Adam and Eve, Bacchus, Ecce Homo, Venus, allegorical figures, and numerous interpretations of Medusa, a theme particularly well suited to emphasizing the material's extraordinary plasticity, expressive power, and dynamic qualities.