"Gondola in Venice"
2019
The sculpture “Gondola a Venezia” is a masterpiece from the High Porcelain collection by Spanish brand Lladró, crafted in 2019 by sculptor José Santaeulalia. Born in Valencia, José grew up in a family of artists, where art was a way of life. His academic training and inspiration from Renaissance and Baroque masters like Michelangelo and Canova shaped his unique style. Santaeulalia notes: “I am a classical sculptor, but I love to experiment, adding modern touches while honoring academic traditions.” “Gondola a Venezia” captures the allure of Venice—city of love, mystery, and canals. At its heart is a romantic scene: a couple in elegant Baroque or Venetian carnival costumes enjoys a gondola ride. The gondolier, in a traditional black hat and mask, steers the boat with a long oar. The glossy black gondola is adorned with golden engravings, blue draperies, beads, and delicate rose bouquets. This work exemplifies how Lladró transforms local craftsmanship into a symbol of luxury, blending Venetian romanticism with the Spanish soul of High Porcelain.
