Rare animal sculpture (large version) in polychrome glazed ceramic representing a turkey displaying its tail feathers, made by Domien Ingels and published by Ceramaes in Ghent, ca 1930.
The subject is treated with great presence: the compact, strongly modeled body contrasts with the large, outstretched wheel, whose feathers are suggested by particularly expressive relief and enamel work. The head and neck, vividly colored in red and black, lend an almost naturalistic accent to an otherwise highly stylized composition, characteristic of Belgian Art Deco animal sculpture.
The monogram “ DI ” appears on the terrace, under the roof, which is consistent with the signatures found on Domien Ingels’ animal ceramics for Ceramaes.
At 21 cm tall, this example stands out clearly from the smaller turkey versions known in this production, which are generally around 9 to 10 cm. The subject itself is part of Ingels' animal repertoire, but this large version with polychrome decoration appears to be significantly less common.
Some fine cracks and minor original firing flaws are visible in the glaze, particularly on the wheel. These appear to be related to the firing process and the thickness of the glaze rather than to subsequent damage, as this type of phenomenon is quite common on large glazed ceramics of this period.
- Artist / Designer:Domien Ingels.
- Signature / Monogram:Signed.
- Issuer / Manufacturer:Ceramaes.
- Period:20th Century / Mid Century / 1920 - 1940.
- Country of Origin:Belgium.
- Dimensions (H x W x D):21 x 25 x 25 cm.
- Weight:2.5 Kg.
- Number of components:1.
- Condition:Excellent.
- Style:Art Deco / Impressionist - Pointillist.
- Material:Ceramic/Sandstone.
-
Price:1300 €
Biography
Domien Ingels (1881-1946) is one of the leading figures in Belgian animal sculpture of the first half of the 20th century. Born and active in Ghent, he developed a body of work largely devoted to animals, which he sculpted in both bronze and ceramic. He collaborated notably with Roger Guérin in Bouffioulx and with the Maes/Ceramaes workshops in Ghent, for which he created several animal models in stoneware and glazed ceramic.
His work is in the tradition of great Belgian animal sculpture of the interwar period, alongside artists such as Albéric Collin, Raymond de Meester de Betzenbroeck or Thierry Van Rijswijck.