Arturo Martini

Simulacrum of Pierrot

1914

Arturo Martini was an Italian sculptor and engraver. He studied ceramics in Faenza and sculpture in Treviso. His copious artistic production is characterized by immediate plasticity, halcyon inventiveness and thorough mastery of all technical processes like stone, bronze, terracotta, ceramics, etc. Whilst the artist preferred a primitive style in his earliest works, he then sought a simplification of volumes. With an admirable sense of style, he managed to be inspired by the most diverse Historic, Archaic, Etruscan, Romanesque and Baroque forms without losing originality of inventiveness, nor vitality of form. In his latest works, he abandoned sculpture in order to dedicate himself to painting. He was also an excellent illustrator and ceramist and created works of narrative spirit and decorative value.