Born Antoniucci Voltigero, Antoniucci Volti originated from Albano, Italy. He was the son of a stonemason and was raised in Villefranche-sur-Mer. He studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Nice and was a pupil of Auguste Rodin. The artist was inspired by the work of Astride Maillol and Antoine Bourdelle.
While serving in the Second World War, Volti was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Bavaria. His health suffered and upon his release he discovered that his studio and work had been destroyed by a bomb. His past practice had been erased and thereafter he considered himself ‘self-taught’. Putting aside the teachings of his masters, Volti’s sculptures became more personal, and he began working in his signature style. It was also around this time that he began to sign his work “Volti”.
Inspiration for Volti’s figures was rooted in his mediterranean surroundings. He was able to move seamlessly between small format and monumental scale as we see in this impressive work. Rather than easy grace, Volti imbues his subjects with truth. “Reverie” embodies the balance and strength so often exhibited in the artists sculptures. The grand scale contributes to the architectural quality of the work.
Works by Volti are included in numerous collections around the world including the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Paris. The Fondation Musée Volti in Villefranche was created during the artist’s lifetime and is dedicated to his work.
This artwork is not currently at Cowley Abbott and is being offered from a location offsite.
