“Horses in grooming” Guido Cacciapuoti (Naples 1892 – Milan 1953)

Patinated stoneware depicting an equestrian subject, signed on the base, Made in Italy brand, original label, model published in the "Le ceramiche" catalog
Good state of conservation, slight chipping on the ear.

The two horses are in a grooming attitude, in equine ethology this mutual behavior has various functions: from scent exchanges to strengthening alliances in the herd in nature. Physical closeness induces mutual care, sensitive areas such as the mane and withers, if stimulated, lower tension and slow down the heartbeat. For foals, grooming begins with the mother (mare), and then develops with other individuals, facilitating stable bonds. The beginning occurs with the approach of the two subjects positioned opposite and frontal. The first part subject to these "treatments" is the neck and proceeds towards the withers, it can extend up to the tail, reaching areas that alone cannot provide. These behaviors also influence the hierarchies within the pack, the weakest and most submissive subjects approach the others first, the intensity with which these attitudes occur is subject to seasonal variations.

Guido Cacciapuoti, sculptor, ceramist, son of Cesare Cacciapuoti, trained with his brother in his father's workshop and that of his grandfather, another master Giovanni Mollica in Naples. In 1907 he moved to Treviso where he met Gregorj and Arturo Martini. He took part in the Treviso Art Exhibition of 1908 – 1913, in 1915 at the Ca' Pesaro Art Exhibition in Venice, in 1920 he participated in the Venice Biennale with two sculptures, between 1920 and 1930 he stayed in Milan several times where his brother Mario had founded La Cacciapuoti & C. in 1927 with other ceramists. In 1930 Mario died prematurely and in 1931 Guido, Mario Solesin, Angelo Bignami and Rinaldo Righetto transformed the atelier into Grès d'Arte Cacciapuoti. Guido takes on the fundamental role of sculptor and artistic director, his favorite models are of the animalist genre alongside ladies, religious subjects and vases. He participates in the Milan Trade Fair, and collaborates with Giuseppe Granello, Arturo Martini also created some models in 1935. In 1953 Guido died and the manufacturing continued until 1982 with his heirs and partners.
For Cacciapuoti the animalier genre acquires an extraordinary interest, the research focuses on realism then continues as manifestations of impressions. As an attentive observer, he tries to translate the "mimèsis of the soul" by representing a vision linked to the behavior of animals, to their gestures in nature as well as in their relationship with man. In the Italian panorama, in the first half of the twentieth century the Cacciapuoti manufacture was among the main interpreters of animalier subjects. The style focuses on simple themes, which combine synthesis and naturalistic precision with a contemplative analysis. Guido's philosophy is expressed in this phrase: "in daily life men seek refuge: I found it in the silence of animals and for this reason I am committed to making it an expression"...