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CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ OF WORKS BY XAVIER NOGUÉS
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C0099
Ceramic frieze at the Celler Cooperatiu del Pinell de Brai. The section at the top of the façade
Ref Num.: C0099
Details
Date: 1920-1921
Typology: Ceramics
Technique: Painted ceramics
Dimensions: –
Signed: No signed no dated
Location
Terra Alta, Pinell de Brai
Description
From 1920 to 1921 Xavier Nogués worked on the decorations for the façade of the cooperative winery and olive press, the Celler i Cooperativa Agrícola de Pinell de Brai (Terra Alta, Tarragona), consisting of different ceramic panels and friezes on wine-related themes and about olive oil production. The building had been planned and designed by the architect Cèsar Martinell and became known as the “cathedral of wine”. Olive oil is the central motif in the section of the frieze above the door leading into the wine press and is shown as a source of food and energy for people.
At the top of the façade of the building where the oil press is located, there is a symmetrical frieze depicting two women holding a long scarf with abundant olive branches and olive leaves, symbolising the prosperity of the world of olive oil. This is the only section of the panels and friezes that was not placed where it was supposed to go in Xavier Nogués’ original design. This is because it was fitted some years after the his death and people were unaware that he had left written indications about the position of the tiles.
Image rights: Dani Rovira. With kind permission of the Cooperativa del Celler Pinell de Brai.
Provenance
–
Exhibitions
Bibliography
Rafael Benet, Xavier Nogués. Caricaturista y pintor, Ediciones Omega, Barcelona, 1949, cat. Porcelana, ceràmica, p. 93 and p. 14. J. Barbeta, A. Casanovas, M. Gil and C. Vidal, Exposición Xavier Nogués, Barcelona 1873-1941, Palacio de la Virreina, March-April 1967, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, Museos de Arte, Barcelona, 1967, cat. no. 548, p. 59 and cat. no. 1269, p. 97. Cèsar Martinell, Destino, no. 1272, 23rd December 1961. Cecília Vidal Maynou (dir.), Xavier Nogués (1873-1941), Alfa Books, Fundació Xavier Nogués, Barcelona, 2021, pp. 193-197.