#6640 $1,950 Sold
Gallenga stenciled chiffon shawl, 1920s
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, see a stenciled velvet cape and a stenciled velvet bag.
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. 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.
This exquisite example of textile art features wide stenciled borders of foliage and Luccese styled birds. The pattern includes a barely legible "Maria Monaci Gallenga" signature—see the bottom picture. The ends of the shawl are trimmed with loops of coral beads.
The condition is excellent. I could not find any flaws.
It measures 92" long by 18" wide.
