Important Silversmiths - Eugenio & Luigi Avolio
Eugenio Avolio (1876-1929) was a famous sculptor, silversmith and engraver. He lived and worked in Naples between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. He was apprenticed to the popular artist and sculptor Vincenzo Gemito. Professor at the Arts Academy in Naples, he received several international awards.
Although he produced several bronze sculptures - especially First World War memorials - he - and Luigi Avolio later (active between 1935 and 1971) - specialised in silver sculptures and monumental pieces inspired by 17th century Italian Baroque and Classical Art. Eugenio and Luigi had a retail shop in corso Umberto, Naples.
Unfortunately, although an Italian hallmarking system was introduced in 1872, the use of a maker’s mark was an uncommon practice among Italian silversmiths until 1935 and in fact Avolio’s artworks are often unmarked.
Nowadays, Eugenio and Luigi Avolio’s artworks are sought after by specialists and collectors for their fine execution and for the high quality of the silver they used.
