An important Italian treasure of primitive cultural art and folklore: This Carretto Siciliano, is a market cart originating from the City of Taormina in the Province of Messina, Sicily from the latter half of the 1800’s. Exquisite, intricate details in painted woodcraft & hand-forged iron elements bring a daily surprise with every glance and inspection! Birds, flowers, animals of all kinds on every surface, including the wheel spokes and mounted on the iron axle and undercarriage. Beautiful color illustrations of familiar folk iconography, historic events, & literary works - all attesting to the numerous cultures which influenced Sicily. The principle artistic representation on the top panel depicts the famous legend of San Giorgio conquering the proverbial Dragon. Colorful side & end panels include images of Charlemagne, and his heroic champion, the knight Orlando. Please request additional photos as they are more numerous than this listing may contain.

Measures: 44” width, 44” height, 56” maximum length of angled slope/end-to-end

Legend & Imagery: The traditions included in the Golden Legend of 11th century Europe describe a fierce dragon terrorizing the local inhabitants, with San Giorgio saving the king’s daughter from sacrifice to the dragon. San Giorgio was a Roman soldier of the 3rd century who was martyred for his faith. Multiple venerations and versions of the saint and legend have survived from many cultures throughout Europe and Asia Minor, including a feast on May 6 (original Julian calendar date April 23). Charlemagne’s arrival in Parigi (Paris) is depicted with his entourage. The chivalric romance of Charlemagne’s paladin Orlando with Princess Angelica is represented from the epic Italian 16th century poem Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto, and a duel between knights Rinaldo & Ruggiero.

History: Originally a primitive form and primary mode of transport on the island of Sicily and apparent since introduction by the Greek Empire, this cultural art form had become a familiar feature of the local market venue. From the early 1800’s to the 1920’s the decorative market carts were of popular use to haul loads of produce, wine, wood & passengers, prior to the use of bicycles, taxis and trucks. Ornate carts were designed for special occasions including village parades.

Craft: The materials include the intricate handcraft of woodcarvers, metal forgers, and detail painters. The artistic skill & mastery was passed through generations along with the historical and folklore representations in the wood carvings, panels, large spoked wheels, as well as wrought iron undercarriages.

The Museo del Carretto Siciliano in Terrasini within the Province of Palermo serves as a tribute to the historical significance of the carts in Sicilian culture.