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

Important coral and gold sculpture depicting the head of Medusa, 1980s

Total height: 17.5 cm. Weight: 368 g

one of the most iconic mythological subjects in Carlo Parlati's artistic production.
The face, carved from a single block of Cerasuolo coral (Corallium elatius) of exceptional chromatic quality, displays remarkable expressive power, characterized by its open mouth, deeply recessed eyes, and luxuriant hair formed by intertwined serpents that unfold dynamically in space.
Behind the figure, a dramatic composition in 18-karat yellow gold, fashioned as a wind-swept drapery, enhances the theatrical effect of the sculpture, creating a striking contrast between the brilliance of the precious metal and the warm hue of the coral. The composition is supported by an elegant twisted gold stem resting on a rectangular white onyx base.

In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons, transformed by Athena into a monstrous creature with serpents for hair, whose gaze possessed the power to turn anyone who looked upon her to stone. Since antiquity, her image has also served an apotropaic, or protective, function, explaining its frequent appearance in Classical, Renaissance, and Baroque art.

Parlati reinterprets this timeless subject through a modern sculptural language, emphasizing its dramatic intensity by means of a highly expressive modelling of the face and the swirling movement of the serpentine locks, resulting in a work of exceptional sculptural presence and visual impact.

The sculpture bearing the characteristic Parlati signature, the 18k yellow gold old setting hallmarked ‘750 – *242 NA’

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.