Insurance appraisal of Sandro Vacchetti’s ceramic work ‘Risveglio di primavera’ (Spring Awakening)

InMay 2024, a collector, passionate and scholar of Lenci and Essevi ceramics, won at auction a glazed ceramic sculpture by Sandro Vacchetti, entitled Risveglio di Primavera (1938). The work, considered an important piece for his collection, was already known to the public for having been chosen as the cover of the exhibition catalogue Enchantments, Figures and Places by Sandro Vacchetti (Carrù, 2008).

The ceramic, entrusted to a transporter, was damaged during shipping. The impact caused numerous breakages both structural and aesthetic, with cracks to the enameled and glazed surfaces.
Given the intrinsic fragility of similar works, the damage has irreparably compromised their collectible value, as the 20th-century ceramics market does not accept restored pieces.

Request: Valuation for insurance purposes
Service: Insurance appraisal
Date: May 2024

The author and historical context

Sandro Vacchetti (Carrù 1889 – Torino 1974)

Painter, sculptor, ceramist and designer, in 1905 he left his country and joined his brothers Emilio and Pippo in Turin, where he began working in advertising poster design. In 1914, he emigrated to the United States, where he began working with ceramics. In 1919, he returned to Turin and worked as artistic director at the Lenci toy factory, for which he designed numerous interesting dolls that soon made the manufacturer famous throughout the world. In 1934, he left his position as artistic director at Lenci and opened the Essevi factory in Turin (in partnership with Turin-based ceramist Nello Franchini). Between 1942 and 1945, Vacchetti moved to Carrù, in the province of Cuneo, where he continued to produce ceramics, albeit only sporadically.

  • Technical and artistic analysis
  • Author: Alessandro “Sandro” Vacchetti (1889-1974)
  • Tittle: Risveglio di Primavera
  • Year: 1938
  • Technique: glazed and vitrified ceramic
  • Measures: 54 × 36 × 28 cm
  • Signature: present on the bottom with title and no. 204

The group analysed and entitled ‘Spring Awakening’ is a glazed and enamelled ceramic object measuring 54x36x28 cm. It is signed on the bottom, titled with reference no. 204 and dated 1938.

The sculpture is part of the cycle with which Vacchetti investigated the image of the female body, conveying the idea of a Goddess-Diva straddling everyday reality and the cinematic vision of Art Deco.

The “Risveglio di Primavera” has particular relevance and consequent economic value as it was also used for the cover of the catalogue of the exhibition “Incanti, Figures and Places of Sandro Vacchetti” held in Carrù in 2008.



Analysis and estimation criteria

Since this is an appraisal for insurance purposes, the repurchase value of the item is indicated, taking into account the fact that, from a collector’s point of view, a restored object is not accepted and therefore no longer resalable.

  1. The fractures of the sculpture are numerous and localized on all the more slender parts as well as on the base;
  2. This is a relatively rare object and in any case not easy to find;
  3. It is a work of undoubted quality and appreciated by collectors of twentieth-century ceramics on an international scale;
  4. The 20th century ceramic collectors’ market does not accept restored works;
  5. Inevitably, over time, the glued parts and the restored glass will tend to yellow;
  6. The value has been verified at the antiques market;
  7. The value of Mrs. Cravero’s collection will be weakened by the lack of a prestigious piece.
  8. The value was verified by comparing works similar in form, subject, and period, auctioned in Italy.
  9. The criterion for considering the auction results is the most reliable as it is completely traceable and transparent;

The value of the ceramic sculpture “Spring Awakening” by Sandro Vacchetti, created in 1938, has been quantified at 8000.00 euros (eight thousand).