Capodimonte Busts
If success is measured by lasting name recognition, Capodimonte would seem to be in the same league as such makers as Meissen, Sèvres and Wedgwood. Early examples of the Italian manufacturer’s celebrated porcelain vases, figurines and sculptures can be hard to come by, but the best later pieces possess the same over-the-top charm.
The Real Fabbrica (“royal factory”) di Capodimonte hasn’t actually produced porcelain since the early 19th century, when Charles’s son Ferdinand sold it. Although secondary manufacturers have built upon the aesthetic and kept the name alive, some connoisseurs of the royal product feel these pieces should be labeled “in the style of” Capodimonte.
The timeline of royal Capodimonte porcelain is decidedly brief. From beginning to end, its manufacture lasted approximately 75 years. King Charles VII of Naples, who founded the manufactory in 1743, began experimenting with porcelain around 1738, the year he married Maria Amalia of Saxony. No coincidence there. His new bride was the granddaughter of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and founder of Meissen, the first European hard-paste porcelain manufactory. Her dowry included 17 Meissen table services.
Struck by porcelain fever, Charles built a dedicated facility on top of a hill (capo di monte) overlooking Naples. He financed expeditions to search for the right clay. He hired chemists and artisans to experiment. His earliest successes were small white snuffboxes and vases, although efforts soon progressed to full sets of tableware, decorative objects and stylized figurines of peasants and theatrical personalities.
In 1759, Charles succeeded to the throne of Spain. He moved the manufactory with him — including 40 workers and 4 tons of clay — and continued operations in Madrid. Twelve years later, his son Ferdinand IV, who inherited the throne of Naples, built a new factory there that became known for distinctly rococo designs.
The Napoleonic wars interrupted production, and around 1807, oversight of the royal factories was transferred to a franchisee named Giovanni Poulard-Prad.
Beginning in the mid-18th century, porcelain made by Charles’s factory was stamped with a fleur-de-lis, usually in underglaze blue. Pieces from Ferdinand’s were stamped with a Neapolitan N topped by a crown. When secondary manufacturers began production, they retained this mark, in multiple variations. The value of these later 19th- and 20th-century pieces is determined by the quality, not the Capodimonte porcelain marks.
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
1990s Italian Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
1940s Italian Classical Roman Vintage Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Capodimonte Busts
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Italian Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
Early 20th Century German Baroque Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain, Mahogany
1980s Italian Vintage Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Capodimonte Busts
Porcelain
Capodimonte busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Capodimonte
- What is Capodimonte's style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Capodimonte's style is regal and opulent, though it has varied over the years. Early pieces from the celebrated Italian porcelain manufacturer often reflect Rococo design sensibilities, with organic motifs rendered in soft colors. As trends changed, so did the look of Capodimonte porcelain, which skewed Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco over the years that followed. Capodiomonte has also looked beyond its native Italy for inspiration, producing porcelain ware that reflects Japanese and ancient Roman decorative techniques. Shop a wide range of Capdodimonte porcelain on 1stDibs.
- Is Capodimonte worth money?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Yes, Capodimonte pieces may be worth money. Early examples of the Italian manufacturer's celebrated porcelain vases, figurines and sculptures can be hard to come by, but the best later pieces possess the same over-the-top charm and are sought by collectors. The value of a particular item depends on its style, age and condition, as well as supply and demand in the marketplace. To get a better estimate of the value of your piece, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Explore a wide range of Capodimonte decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024To identify rare Capodimonte marks, use trusted online resources as a guide. Generally, the oldest pieces produced by the Italian maker during the mid-18th century are the rarest. During this period, Capodimonte typically used only its original blue fleur-de-lis logo as a mark. On reputable websites, you can find images of this mark and others used by the porcelain manufacturer over the years. If you need assistance identifying a particular piece, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a range of Capodimonte porcelain ware on 1stDibs.