Mida Italy Laminated Sterling Silver Clown by S. Barbieri

Vintage Mida Italy Laminated Sterling Silver Clown Sculpture – Signed S. Barbieri This is a vintage Mida Italy laminated sterling silver clown sculpture, signed by S. Barbieri, showcasing detailed craftsmanship and artistic flair. Being a collectible, this piece is a unique addition to any art or vintage collection. This piece is in good condition, with minor signs of age adding to its vintage charm. Up for absolute auction is Lot 52, a magnificent and highly collectible mid-century modern Italian art sculpture. This whimsical circus clown figurine was meticulously produced by the prestigious Mida workshop in Italy and designed by celebrated master silver sculptor S. Barbieri. Standing at a substantial 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall, this piece beautifully exemplifies classic Italian silver craftsmanship paired with playful, vibrant hand-painted details. It makes an outstanding statement piece for fine art collectors, clown enthusiasts, or connoisseurs of vintage European silver. Key Technical Features Authentic Materials: Crafted with a solid structural resin core heavily overlaid with a fine laminate layer of genuine 925% Sterling Silver. Artisanal Metalwork: The figure displays traditional Italian sbalzato (embossing) and cesellato (chasing) techniques, giving the silver exceptional texture and depth. Intricate Enamel Work: Embellished with rich, vibrant hand-painted enamel elements, featuring: A dramatic, oversized silver bow tie finished with bold red polka dots. A colorful costume complete with a blue striped shirt and hand-painted clothing patches. A beautiful, multi-colored bouquet of roses secretly tucked behind his back. A detailed curly clown wig finished in an orange-bronze glaze. Provenance & Authenticity Marks This piece comes with double-verified authenticity markers, ensuring its high investment value: Artist Hallmark: The base edge near the feet features the crisp, incised cursive signature of the original sculptor, "Mida S." (S. Barbieri). Original Registry Foil Label: The bottom base retains its original manufacturer's sticker, reading:"L'oggetto Mida è una creazione in Argento 925‰ sbalzato e cesellato a mano da maestri artigiani"(Translation: The Mida object is a creation in 925‰ Sterling Silver, embossed and chased by hand by master artisans.) Condition Report Overall Rating: Excellent Vintage Condition. Silver Integrity: The laminated sterling silver layer is remarkably well-preserved with no signs of peeling, bubbling, or heavy wear along the edges. Enamel Paint: The hand-painted accents remain crisp, bright, and entirely free of notable chipping. Patina: Features a stunning, untouched natural oxidation in the deeper crevices that perfectly accentuates the silver details and the artist's signature Pickup at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue