Agata plate, model no. 334

Gio Ponti designed a few pieces for the ceramic firm Richard-Ginori in 1922, but his tenure as artistic director did not begin until 1923. That year Ponti was praised as an innovator in the field of ceramics by critics reviewing the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Monza. His success in the field was further cemented at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, where the Richard-Ginori display was both a critical and commercial success. Ponti remained with the company until 1930, further designing majolica and porcelain wares and constantly striving to modernize production.

This plate is part of "Le Mie Donne" series featuring eight maidens in various poses and settings. The women are found lying on clouds or flowers or intertwined with ropes, often accompanied by classical architectural elements. Ponti designed the series for decoration on large plates and large and small oval and round vases. In addition to Agata, the maidens are Emerenziana, Apollonia, Fabrizia, Leonia, Donatella, Balbina and Domitilla. A ninth maiden, Isabella, is only featured on the large plate model. The plates were first exhibited in 1923 at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Monza, but Ponti continued to develop the theme until the last plate was designed in 1926.

white, blue and yellow majolica
with date, model number and manufacturer's mark
18 7/8 in. (48 cm) diameter

Literature:
GIO PONTI: CERAMICHE 1923-1930, LE OPERE DEL MUSEO GINORI DI DOCCIA, Florence, ca. 1983, pp. 174 and 175 (for the plate studies)