Adolfo Wildt “Larass” and “Proud Character and Gentle Spirit” at Ca' Pesaro International Modern Art Gallery in Venice Italy

Adolfo Wildt (1868-1931), draughtsman and sculptor, is a significant figure in the interwar period's Italian sculpture.

He was a great admirer of Rodin, who had a significant influence on his work.

He was also heavily influenced by Liberty, the Viennese Secession of Klimt and Art Nouveau.

He is also one of the last great symbolists.

Adolfo Wildt, Larass He exhibited several times at the Venice Art Biennale (1921, 1924 and 1926).

Among his clients is Gabriele d'Annunzio, who bought him his drawing “La Musica e la Poesia” in 1920.

Adolfo Wildt “Larass”

Sculpture - Plaster 1903

The sculpture “Larass” exhibited in Ca' Pesaro is a draught designed by Wildt to portray Franz Rose, the architect in charge of Wildt's German patron's garden.

Shaped like an ancient mask, Larass dominated one of the park's paths elaborated by Franz Rose.

Unfortunately, this park was destroyed during the bombing of the Second World War.

Adolfo Wildt “Proud Character and Gentle Spirit”

Sculpture - Marble with gilding (38 x 57 x 37 cm) 1912.

Proud Character and Gentle Spirit A play of double characterizes this sculpture; Wildt presents on one side the stern and proud character of a sovereign, and on the other, the sweetness of a disconcerted young girl.

This sculpture is also an allusion to the Neoplatonic male-female dualism.

A double theme also peculiar to Pirandello, who influenced Wildt a lot.

This work represents one of the strengths of Wildt, who managed to combine soul and form in his art, to inscribe human feelings, life and Death, passions, emotions in marble.

This expressionist and poetic sculpture also express Wildt's decorative attraction, thanks to using gold in this special marble treatment. The patina and warm colour of this golden marble are reminiscent of ivory.

Proud Character and Gentle Spirit