Capodimonte figurines first came out sometime in 1743 when the Spanish king and his Queen Maria Amalia instituted the Royal Factory of Capodimonte right next to the Royal Palace of Capodimonte in Naples, Italy. The Capodimonte style was developed when a chemist, Livio Ottavio Schepers, improved on the composition of soft past porcelain. Along with Guiseppi Gricci and decorator Casella, they created important works of art. One of their most famous works is the world famous boudoir of the Queen Amalia where from the walls to the lamps, porcelain was used.

Capodimonte figurines are considered as one of the most important Italian works of art with most masterpieces now collected in the Museum Capodimonte. The royal family continued to support the art form and the artisans who were responsible for the exquisite designs. It was when the famous artist Domenico Venuti joined the movement that the artwork catapulted to the pinnacle of its fame.

It was when Napoleon seized Naples that the Capodimonte collection branched out to plates, cups, vases and objects with flowers. Apparently, table setting was more important to the French king than figurines and with the help of the Neapolitan artisans, a new collection was born.

Today, discovery of unknown Capodimonte figurines are worthy of a press release and an auction at top auction houses like Sotheby’s of London. The figurines are beautifully crafted and most are only found in museums. When one speaks of Lladro or Lalique, they are modern art pieces that are still in production today, and that is what distinguishes the Capodimonte porcelain.

Owning a Capodimonte is not the same as owning a Lalique, they are not of the same calibre, neither of the same technique. One is antique; the other is modern art emulating antique designs. The difference is immediately seen in the quality of porcelain used. And the handmaid craft is no longer practiced. These differences are the most integral part of recognizing and separating one form from the other.

Finding art work of the Capodimonte calibre in private homes is very rare. Only the richest and most serious of collectors could have them in private collections. Most of which has not been seen by the public eye in years.

Works or art that time and history could only think about but can never be reproduced. Capodimonte and Faberge, these are the works of art that speak of a world long forgotten.