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of art by this artist.
Luciano Minguzzi Biography
Luciano Minguzzi, born in Bologna in 1911 and passing away in Milan in 2004, stands as a monumental figure in the 20th-century sculptural landscape. His journey into the realms of art began under the tutelage of his father, Armando Minguzzi, also a sculptor, which laid the foundational stone for his lifelong passion and dedication to sculpture and engraving. Minguzzi's formal education in art took place at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, where he was mentored by Giorgio Morandi in engraving and Ercole Drei in sculpture. His academic pursuits were further enriched by art history lectures delivered by Roberto Longhi at the University.
Minguzzi's early career was marked by a scholarship that enabled him to immerse himself in the artistic environments of Paris and London, showcasing his work for the first time in 1933. His talent quickly garnered recognition, leading to his first prize at the Roman Quadrennial of 1943. The aftermath of World War II saw Minguzzi engaging deeply with themes of human suffering and resilience, as evidenced by his creation of the Monument to the Partisan in his hometown, a poignant tribute to the resistance against Nazi-fascism made from the bronze of a dismantled equestrian statue of Benito Mussolini.
The 1950s heralded a period of dramatic and expressionist evolution in Minguzzi's style, with a series of sculptures that delved into the harrowing experiences of concentration camp prisoners and war victims. His profound sensitivity to the human condition was recognized with the third prize at the competition for the Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner organized by the Tate Gallery in London in 1953. Minguzzi's acclaim continued to grow, culminating in the prestigious commission to create the Fifth Gate of the Milan Cathedral, a project he completed in 1965, and the Door of Good and Evil of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, a seven-year endeavor that stands as a testament to his dedication and artistic vision.
Throughout his career, Minguzzi remained a prolific creator, venturing into the art of the medal and leaving behind a legacy that includes the 500 lire silver coin of San Marino from 1974. His contributions to the world of sculpture were celebrated with a posthumous anthological exhibition in Bologna in 2012, marking the centenary of his birth.
Minguzzi's art is characterized by a relentless exploration of themes that lie at the core of human existence—sex, wounds, death—through which he sought to uncover the primeval forces that animate nature. Despite his atheism, he frequently engaged with sacred themes, imbuing his sculptures with a visceral existentialism that resonates with viewers to this day. His mastery over materials, from bronze panels to wood sculptures, reveals a profound understanding of form and content, making his works highly sought after by collectors and museums alike.
Luciano Minguzzi's legacy is preserved in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C., the Indianapolis Museum of Art in Indiana, and the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. His life and work continue to inspire and captivate, serving as a bridge between the tumultuous events of the 20th century and the timeless quest for beauty and truth in art.
Luciano Minguzzi 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
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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