Le stelle Le stelle (1932) by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
Busto di ragazzo Busto di ragazzo (1921) by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
Arturo Martini
Arturo Martini, born in Treviso, was one of the most prominent sculptors working in the first half of the 20th century, and his works had a profoundly modernising influence on the plastic arts in the 1930s. Over the course of his career, the artist produced both monumental works and sculptures destined for a new breed of collectors.
These collectors were the intended audience for the terracotta and ceramic pieces in which Martini narrates episodes: self-contained or unresolved short stories such as Le collegiali (The Schoolgirls, 1927) and Gli Amanti (The Lovers,1932).
Gli amanti (Il bosco) Gli amanti (Il bosco) (1932) by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
The monumental works
As a figure on the national art scene, Martini took part in the major exhibitions of the Thirties, from the Venice Biennale to the Rome Quadriennale, where he won the first prize for sculpture in 1931. At these shows, he presented larger works with a greater impact, stone pieces based on the study of ancient sculpture such as "La sete" (Thirst), of 1934, which was part of a series of works inspired by the Pompeii discoveries.
Torso di giovanetto Torso di giovanetto (1929 circa) by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
Storie di Milano by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
He created decorations for many public buildings in the Thirties, including the high reliefs depicting the Storie di Milano (Stories of Milan, 1942 -1947) for the Arengario, now home to the Museo del Novecento.
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Storie di Milano by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
Storie di Milano by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
Storie di Milano by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
Storie di Milano by Arturo MartiniMuseo del Novecento
