Francesco Messina, born on December 15, 1900, in Linguaglossa, near Catania, Sicily, emerged as one of the most significant Italian sculptors of the 20th century. His journey from a humble family to an internationally recognized artist is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the art of sculpture. Educated in Genoa, Messina's early affinity for the human form was evident in his exceptional draftsmanship, which soon transitioned into a passion for sculpting in various media including clay (terra cotta), bronze, marble, wax, terracotta, and plaster. In the 1930s, Messina's work gained recognition across Europe, showcased in group exhibitions alongside other Italian artists. His move to Milan in 1932 marked a pivotal moment in his career, leading to his appointment as a tenured professor at the Brera Art Academy. This period was crucial for Messina, as he began to sculpt some of his most renowned works, including the Dying Horse at the entrance to the Italian public broadcaster RAI in Rome. His daughter, Paola, also followed in his footsteps, becoming a sculptor and later his biographer. Messina's association with the Fascist Party during World War II, though controversial, was seen by some as a strategic move to secure public commissions and appointments. Despite this, his art rarely conveyed a political message, focusing instead on themes of human form, war, and violence post-war. His international exhibitions, though less frequent, showcased his work in various countries, contributing to his reputation as a significant figure in the art world. The artist's classical approach to sculpture, focusing on figurative representation and influenced by the great artistic traditions, resonated with audiences and critics alike. His works, characterized by a blend of classical suggestions and modern language, are considered emblematic of the 20th-century Italian sculpture. Messina's sculptures, often inspired by the human form and portraiture, are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical mastery. Among his most famous works are the large bronze sculpture of a dying horse, commissioned in 1964 and installed in 1966, which remains a symbol of the national broadcasting company RAI. Other notable works include a bust portrait of novelist and poet Salvatore Quasimodo, monuments to popes Pius XII and Pius XI, and the Via Crucis of San Giovanni Rotondo. His sculptures are featured in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, including Zurich, Oslo, Munich, Paris, Buenos Aires, Moscow, and Tokyo. Messina's contributions to the art world were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Prize for Sculpture at the Biennale Internazionale d'Arte of Venice in 1942 and the Michelangelo Prize in 1963. He was also named an honorary citizen of Milan in 1975 and received accolades from the State Pinakothek of Munich and the Fine Arts Academy of the Soviet Union. Francesco Messina's legacy extends beyond his sculptures. He was instrumental in shaping the next generation of artists as a professor at the Brera Academy and through his published works and biographies. His museum studio in the deconsecrated church of San Sisto in Milan, where he worked until his death on September 13, 1995, stands as a testament to his life's work and passion for sculpture. Messina's art, deeply rooted in the classical tradition yet imbued with a modern sensibility, continues to inspire and captivate. His ability to capture the essence of the human spirit, combined with his technical prowess, cements his status as one of the greatest figurative sculptors of the twentieth century.

Francesco Messina Quotes and Sales of Works

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