Monumental Vase by Salvatore Meli, Italy 1950s

Important vase by Salvatore Meli (Comiso 1929 - Rome 2011), Italy 1950s. Meli studied at the Academia di Belle Arte in Florence and became a significant figure in the Italian post war art movement. Meli's work stands in-between the poles of painting and sculpture. This particular vase stands out in huge size and its unusual organic asymmetric shape and great expressional painting and texture. The vase is shaped out of plaster strengthened with cotton and metal wire inside, a very unique technique which Meli used in his early years. Due to this technique he was able to create extraordinary forms. Later he created the objects in more common materials such as terracotta which were finished with glaze. This work is painted in the same technique as a painting and finished with a clear matte protection layer. Meli was inspired by the primitive artwork of the Etruscan civilization. The vase is signed: Meli. In excellent condition.