Wild Boar, Terracotta Sculpture With Bronze Patina, 1930s-40s, Giorgio Rossi (1894–1981)

Wild Boar, terracotta sculpture with bronze patina, 1930s-40s, Giorgio Rossi (1894–1981)

Period: 1930s-40s
Terracotta with bronze-effect patina
Dimensions: Height approximately 27 cm

This sculpture depicts a wild boar, a symbol of Tuscany, captured in motion on a base adorned with oak leaves. The style of the work combines realism with a stylization characteristic of the late Art Deco period, with a simplified form that emphasizes the strength and vitality of the subject without burdening it with excessive detail. Rossi interprets the wild boar, a figure deeply tied to Tuscany's rustic and hunting traditions, with a synthetic and modern approach reflecting the artistic sensibility of the 20th century.
The choice of terracotta as a material, with a patina that mimics the effect of bronze, is rooted in the Tuscan artistic tradition, which from Etruscan culture to the Renaissance has elevated terracotta as a symbol of versatility and craftsmanship. This connection to the past is fused with the modernity of the form.
The sculpture is documented in the book Un lungo viaggio verso il ‘Novecento’ (A Long Journey to the ‘20th Century’), written by Gigi Salvagnini and published by the Centro Libero Andreotti, which explores Giorgio Rossi’s career and works in depth.

This work comes directly from the artist's estate, remaining in the collection of his heirs as a testament to Rossi’s artistic maturity.
The wild boar, deeply embedded in Tuscan tradition and celebrated in Florence with the famous Porcellino statue, is reinterpreted by Rossi with a language that blends realism and a modern, synthetic stylization. The work reflects the late Art Deco period's balance between tradition and innovation, highlighting the artist’s ability to merge expressive power and refined form.

Excellent condition, with well-preserved patina and clearly legible details that enhance the sculpture’s aesthetic.
Exhibitions:
This work belongs to the period when Rossi participated in prestigious national exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale (1930, 1936), where his works were praised for their technical quality and ability to interpret modernity without betraying tradition.
Artist’s Biography
Giorgio Rossi (1894–1981) was a prominent Tuscan sculptor known for his ability to interpret realism and figurative tradition with a modern sensibility. Born in Florence, he trained at the Academy of Fine Arts under the guidance of Antonio Bortone. His works, often created in terracotta and alabaster, are distinguished by a formal synthesis that celebrates the expressive power of the subject through a refined, modern language.
He participated in prestigious exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale (1930, 1936), where he received acclaim for the technical quality and originality of his works. For over thirty years, he taught at the Artistic and Industrial School of Volterra, influencing generations of artists and contributing to the artistic renewal of Tuscany.
Rossi’s works, often from the family’s estate, are a testament to his contribution to 20th-century Italian sculpture, combining tradition and innovation, Etruscan roots, and modern sensibility.