Prototype of the “Les Insectes” ashtray, the reference model used for the industrial development of the “Insectes” ashtrays by Hermès, produced by the Lauret workshop in Paris Circa 1960 Porcelain painted by Gabriella La Torre. Signed 19 x 15.5 cm See the original pieces in lots 1 and 2, as well as variations in lots 4 through 10 Provenance: The artist’s family collection. Assembled under the direction of Fabrizio La Torre, son of Gabriella La Torre, this collection reflects a desire to recreate a body of work that brings together the artist’s archives and pieces produced by Hermès. Gabriella La Torre (Rome, 1894–1976) was a porcelain painter. Over several decades, she developed a distinctive body of work inspired in particular by her love of the decorative arts and antique porcelain, whose designs she studied and collected. Beginning in 1957, she collaborated with Hermès, for which she created numerous designs that gave rise to silk scarves, ready-to-wear pieces, and porcelain objects. Her creative vision gave rise to patterns such as “Insects,” “Flowers and Braids,” “Oranges and Lemons,” “Cherries,” “Roosters,” and “Old China.”