Capodimonte Lamp History

My brother in law Carlo, frequently says that all things good create in Italy (ha!). He may have a right to feel that way since he was born and raised on a farm near Rimini, Italy. I agree with him on at least one point and that is the unparalleled attractiveness of genuine ancient Italian Capodimonte pottery lamps.

Wood Table Lamps

Capodimonte is the finest grade of Italian pottery that rivals any of the finest porcelains that are produced. Themes range from easy nature and organery designs to downright outrageous. I say the more outrageous the good ! This is just one ability that makes Capodimonte so unique. Whenever I look at these gorgeous old pieces I cannot help but think of how these designers shrugged off convention to build this unusual and outstanding style. You either love it or you hate it but the identity and the build is usually unmistakable.

The more ornately designed Capodimonte lamps may be adorned with 3 dimensional cherubs, angels, nudes, animals, serpents, citizen and vegetation. Occasionally the 3 dimensional figures are thoroughly raised away from the main body of the pottery creating an open space. These styles are extremely sought after by collectors. pottery colors can be unusually vibrant and very bold. The finer ability Capodimonte pieces contain many subtle details in the artwork and in the hand painting. The 18th century devotee sculptor Tagliolini exemplifies the finer qualities found in many of the Capodimonte styles.

Translation: Capodimonte: Italian: capo di monte, English: head of the mountain or as my brother in law Carlo says: "captain of the mountain". Although "captain of the mountain" is not the spoton translation, it is the translation that I like because this gorgeous pottery style undoubtedly commands your attention and respect.

The Capodimonte story is very involved and convoluted. So in order to simplify, I am presenting the prominent events related to Capodimonte pottery in the following timeline format.

1710: Augustus Ii, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony (now in Germany) founded the first European pottery premise in Meissen Germany (near Dresden, both now world preeminent for their fine porcelain).

1734: Charles of Bourbon (Bourbon was a European royal family) was the son of Philip V (the 1st Bourbon ruler of Spain) and his wife, Elizabeth Farnese (Italian). Charles was coronated King of Naples and Sicily.

1738: Charles married Maria Amalia granddaughter of Augustus Ii who had previously in 1710 founded Europe's first pottery premise in Meissen Germany. From his marriage to Maria, Charles became interested in pottery yield in Naples. He wanted to create a pottery ability that would rival that of Maria's grandfather (Augustus Ii).

1743: Charles built a small pottery premise on a hill named Capodimonte near his royal palace. Charles finally decided that pottery yield was not feasible in his small premise and he ordered the building of a new pottery premise in the royal wood of Capodimonte.

1759: Philip V of Spain died and Charles became Charles Iii King of Spain and of course had to leave Naples. Before leaving he had the Royal premise dismantled and moved equipment, account and artists with him to Spain. He wanted to keep his method of pottery a hidden and he started a new pottery premise near Madrid.

1771: Ferdinand (Charles's son) assumed his father's throne becoming Ferdinand Iv king of Naples. He was also interested in pottery yield so he started a new pottery premise at Portici from the equipment and supplies that had been left by his father Charles.

1772: yield began in Ferdinand's new pottery factory. The style and ability from this premise were similar to that of the former premise that was begun by Charles.

1779: Domenico Venuti supplanted Perez as director of the factory.

1781: Venuti created the Academy of the Nude whose main goal was the study of the nude figure. yield at the premise was at its all time most height and the pottery had come to be preeminent throughout Europe.

1782: Ferdinand had a extra pottery dinner service produced as a gift for his father, Charles Iii of Spain, who was the founder of the former Capodimonte premise and it was received very coldly by his father.

1785: Ferdinand had an additional one extra pottery dinner service produced as a gift for George Iii, King of England. The king was overwhelmed upon receiving such a gorgeous gift.

1799: France invaded Naples and Ferdinand fled to Sicily leaving Naples and the pottery factory. The premise was looted by the French and it fell into great disrepair.

July 1799: French rule ended. Ferdinand returned to Naples and attempted to get the Royal premise back on good footing.

1799 - 1805: yield had been greatly reduced but the Royal premise prolonged in business.

1806: The French busy Naples yet again and Ferdinand was again forced to return to Palermo. Giuseppe Bonaparte was named King of Naples.

1807: The French turned over the responsibility of the pottery premise to a group of local businessmen.

1808 French commander, Gioacchino Murat became King of Naples replacing Giuseppe Bonaparte.

1816: Ferdinand returned to Naples in 1816 as Ferdinand I King of the Two Sicilies.

1818: The Royal premise never recovered from the French occupations and their lootings. Enterprise had been in a decline for many years. The equipment, account and supplies were sold off to varied individuals and businesses thus marking the end of the Royal premise of Capodimonte.

Today, Capodimonte style pottery is produced by a amount of manufacturers in Italy. There is not one singular premise or region where this style now originates.

- Jim Hoyle

Capodimonte Lamp History
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