Mario Ceroli is a distinguished Italian sculptor, painter, and set designer whose contributions to the art world have been significant and enduring. Born on May 17, 1938, in Castel Frentano, in the province of Chieti, Ceroli's artistic journey began at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. Under the tutelage of influential artists such as Leoncillo Leonardi, Pericle Fazzini, and Ettore Colla, he honed his skills and developed a unique artistic voice that would resonate throughout his career. Ceroli's early work was rooted in ceramics, a medium through which he first gained recognition. In 1958, he won the prize for young sculpture at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna in Rome, marking the beginning of his ascent in the Italian art scene. However, it was his experimentation with wood that would come to define his artistic identity. Starting in 1957, Ceroli began to explore the use of wood, particularly Russian pine, creating silhouetted shapes that interacted with space in a simplistic yet profound manner. The 1960s marked a period of significant evolution for Ceroli. Influenced by Pop Art and artists like Louise Nevelson and Joe Tilson, he began to incorporate a variety of materials and forms into his work. This experimentation led to the creation of iconic silhouettes of letters, numbers, and various objects, often rendered in series and connected in space. His work during this time was characterized by the use of raw wood, which became a signature element of his artistic production. Ceroli's association with Arte Povera, an Italian contemporary art movement that emphasized the use of "poor" materials, began in the late 1960s. His use of humble materials such as wood, rags, and paper connected him with the movement's ethos, which sought to challenge the commercialization of art. One of his most notable works from this period is "Cassa Sistina," which earned him the Gollin Prize in 1965 and further established his reputation on the international stage. Throughout his career, Ceroli has been involved in numerous exhibitions and has contributed to the decoration of public spaces, including churches and theaters. His work as a set designer has seen collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Teatro Stabile in Turin, La Scala in Milan, and Teatro La Fenice in Venice. His theatrical background has influenced his sculptural work, often imbuing it with a dramatic and narrative quality. In the 1970s and 1980s, Ceroli expanded his material repertoire to include polychrome marble, glass, powder, and bronze. He revisited and reinterpreted works of art from the Renaissance to the present day, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to engage with different artistic disciplines. His interest in these various mediums led him to explore the intersection of art with architecture and theater, transcending the traditional boundaries of the artwork. Ceroli's contributions to art extend beyond his own creations. He has amassed a collection of over 500 works in a house-museum on the outskirts of Rome, a space he intends to open to the public to inspire future generations of artists. His dedication to his craft and his desire to foster artistic growth in others speak to his influence as a mentor and visionary in the art world. Today, Mario Ceroli continues to live and work in Rome, where his legacy as one of the most influential artists of the Italian post-war period is firmly established. His works are displayed in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Vatican Museums. Ceroli's artistic language, characterized by its engagement with natural materials and its dialogue with the viewer, remains a testament to his innovative spirit and his enduring impact on contemporary art.

Mario Ceroli Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749