Tragic mask of Cacciapuoti from the 20th century

Tragic mask by Cacciapuoti, a figural Art Deco sculpture by Neapolitan artist Guido Cacciapuoti (Naples 1892 - Milan 1953), depicting a tragic mask, made of ceramic, hand-modeled and silver-plated on the front.

The sculpture is signed on the back by Cacciapuoti and rests on a black lacquered wooden base measuring 16 x 10 x 10 cm in height. It comes from the private collection of a Milanese set designer and is in good condition, with a beautiful oxidized patina.

This tragic mask is a sculptural decorative element representing a human face with exceptional expression, simplified form, stylized and dramatic features. Like a shadow, the mask evokes the category of doppelgänger; it is like a curtain that hides to reveal. Dualism is essentially a symbol of Greek masks—the joyful mask of comedy and the sad mask of tragedy. The dual meaning of unveiling and hiding is well expressed by the double etymology of this word: in Latin, *maschera* means person, while in Arabic, *maskharah* means caricature or mockery.

Original antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, more and more enthusiasts appreciate high-quality vintage items that have a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from Portuguese *barocco*—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. They often drew inspiration from mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer’s perspective, as many fakes circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.