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1936 Best Picture Award to Selznick for "Viva Villa", Italian Stile Littorio

$15,000
£11,304.02
€13,207.30
CA$21,286.13
A$21,347.85
CHF 12,384.69
MX$260,629.38
NOK 143,449.74
SEK 146,811.15
DKK 98,737.02

About the Item

An important symbol of the international success of Hollywood in the 1930s, and a superb example of the Stile Littorio or Italian Rationalist design that prevailed during the rule of Mussolini in Italy, this unique brass or bronze film award was given to David O. Selznick for producing "Viva Villa" in 1936. The award was presented at the International Motion Picture Exhibit in Rome, which took place during the International Congress of the Motion Picture Press in April 1936, and was addressed by no less than Pope Pius XI. The event seems to have been related to the Venice Film Festival and to Mussolini himself, because the base of this award reads "Internationale D'Arte Cinematografica Venezia - Coppa del Duce - Mostra." The flaring, fluted body of the trophy and the stepped-down base are classic features of the Art Deco style that permeated the period, but the two handles are very 1930s Italian -- one echoes the gondola's prow or fero, and the other features a stylized eagle. The trophy is mounted on a black marble base.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1936
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Overall excellent, with tarnishing throughout and small chips to the stone base. One handle is loose.
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU865146559092

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