#6649 $1,700 Sold
Gallenga stenciled velvet bag, c.1920
The textile art of Maria Monaci Gallenga (1880-1944) is often compared to that of Fortuny because they both produced hand-stenciled designs that drew inspiration from the distant past. The patterns of Gallenga, generally larger and less textured than those of Fortuny, often contain exotic birds or beasts. For more Gallenga art currently available see a stenciled chiffon shaw and a stenciled velvet cape.
Gallenga's loyal followers, who frequented her shop in Florence, preferred the mysterious, Gothic quality of her designs. She is best known for medieval and Oriental designs stenciled in shades of silver and gold.
Throughout her career, Gallenga remained true to her original formula for stenciling on silk velvet. She used as many as 9 tones of gold and silver pigment to achieve the desired ombré shading. The metallic pigment does not tarnish or flake off, thanks to a special formula devised by Gallenga's husband, a Professor at the University of Rome.
The bag has shades of bronze/gold stenciling on black silk velvet and is lined with beige satin. The silk corded tassel is attached with a Murano glass bead. Many Gallenga pieces, like this bag, are unsigned. I have included three pictures of stenciled birds from signed Gallenga pieces I have owned.
Taken together, the pictures show a good selection of Gallenga stenciled birds, so that you can compare the distinctive features of her subtle style. Birds are often used in mirror-imaged pairs and/or in combination with stylized foliate settings borrowed from medieval or Oriental art. The bag is an important period textile.
The condition is almost excellent. The inside casing for the drawstring has been reinforced. The exterior is perfect.
The bag measures 7 1/4" long by 7 1/2" wide. The tassel and bead add another 4/3/8" to the length.
