380

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

Coral carving depicting the head of Medusa, 1980s

Height x width: 4.5 x 4.3 cm. Weight: 24 g

entirely carved from a single branch of Cerasuolo coral (Corallium elatius) of exceptional chromatic quality.
The artist masterfully exploits the coral's natural morphology, transforming it into a dynamic composition in which the serpents forming Medusa's hair unfold in an intricate network of swirling volutes and openwork carving, enveloping the face with remarkable sculptural force. The figure's intense expression is accentuated by the wide-open mouth, deeply recessed eyes, and boldly modelled brow ridges, while the flawlessly polished surface enhances the material's natural lustre.
The harmonious balance between solid and open spaces, achieved through an exceptionally refined openwork technique, imbues the composition with an extraordinary sense of movement and lightness, while showcasing the artist's outstanding technical mastery.

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.