Francesco Messina ( Italian: Francesco Messina , December 15, 1900, Linguaglossa , Catania - September 13, 1995, Milan ) - a famous Italian sculptor of the 20th century. Created sculptural portraits, easel sculptures, graphic works (pastels, drawings, lithographs). Was a representative of realism.
| Francesco Messina | |
|---|---|
| ital Francesco messina | |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 1900 |
| Place of Birth | Linguaglossa , Catania |
| Date of death | September 13, 1995 (94 years) |
| Place of death | Milan |
| Citizenship |  Italy |
| Genre | small plastic portraits |
| Awards | |
Content
Life Story
Born in the province of Catania in a poor family. From 8 years old he came to the workshop of the sculptor who made tombstones. At the age of 12, he began to study at the School of Drawing, as well as self-education. He moved to the industrialized north of Italy, to the city of Genoa , where he continued to work in the workshop of the sculptor J. Skanzi, the master of tombstones.
Since 1932, participated in exhibitions and received the first positive reviews of art criticism. Had recognition both at the Italian and international shows. Used a variety of materials (terracotta, plaster, bronze). The favorite material of the sculptor was bronze, which was revered in Italy since the days of ancient Rome . Willingly created images of children, teenagers (“Boy by the Sea”, “Beatrice”, “David”, “Swimmer”). Messina's realistic bronzes unusually fully reproduce the plastic beauty of the human body, resembling the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance or Ancient Greece.
Like many modern masters, he performed a series of sculptures (horses, ballet, etc.). In 1942 he received an award at the international exhibition Biennale in the city of Venice . The works of the sculptor adorned museums, churches, squares around the world.
Traveled to Western Europe. He moved to Milan , the famous industrial and art center of modern Italy. The international recognition of the sculptor forced the administration of the Art Academy of Brera to invite the sculptor to the post of teacher and head of the sculpture department. He later became the director of the school. In the old, abandoned church of Milan (San Sisto, built in 1594) equipped his workshop. The church with a collection of sculptures restored at his expense was donated to Milan, where the sculptor’s museum was created.
In connection with the paralysis of the hand in old age, he left the work of the sculptor and was engaged only in graphics. He wrote poems, published several poetry collections and a book of memoirs.
He died in Milan on September 13, 1995.
Selected Works
- Couple in love, 1928
- Portrait of the artist Pierre Maroussig, 1929
- The writer Umberto Saba.
- Self-portrait, 1932
- Fishing, 1932
- Portrait of Salvatore Quasimodo , 1936
- Bianca 1938
- Portrait of Massimo Lely
- Portrait of Maria Laura
- Portrait of Raphael Calcini, 1948
- Eve, 1949
- Sandra
- Bust of Giacomo Puccini , 1958
- Beatrice, 1959
- Adam and Eve, 1959
- Portrait of Hermetre
- Bust of Pietro Mascagni, 1963
- Pius XI Monument, Vatican , St. Peter’s Cathedral , 1963
- Dancer Aida Akkol, 1967
- Pius XI Monument, Milan , Cathedral, 1968
- Hiroko, 1977
- Clara Fracchi, 1977
Sources
- Bortolon R. Messina. Milano, 1976.
- Messina F. Poveri giorni. Milano, 1975
- Salvini R. Modern Italian sculpture. Oldbourn 1962