Emilio Greco biography

Emilio Greco, born in Catania on October 11, 1913, was a highly talented and recognized Italian sculptor, writer, and illustrator. From a young age, he showed an innate passion for art, filling notebooks with drawings despite his father's initial disapproval, who hoped for a more lucrative profession for his son. His determination and creativity drove him to pursue his dream despite the adversities. At the age of thirteen, due to his father's illness, he had to leave school and start working as an apprentice stonemason at a local construction company specializing in the restoration and creation of civic monuments. This experience proved fundamental for his artistic development, as it allowed him to quickly learn the art of sculpting marble and modeling clay. Despite the difficulties, he managed to make significant progress in his artistic career."
In 1934, Emilio Greco received a certificate from the Academy of Palermo and subsequently served in the Royal Army, participating in various colonial battles. During World War II, in Rome, he passively followed the events.
In 1947, Emilio resides and works at Villa Massimo together with other renowned artists, which helps to increase his fame and prestige. The following year, he obtains a teaching position at the Liceo di via Ripetta, an important recognition for his career.
Emilio Greco's immense popularity soared in 1956 with the creation of the monument to Pinocchio and the Fairy in Collodi. His works are characterized by a poetic touch, particularly the cycle of Great Bathers and portraits of young women. Other significant works include the Monument to Pope John XXIII in St. Peter's and the Doors of the Cathedral of Orvieto, completed in 1970.
Emilio Greco travels extensively, exhibiting his works in major international exhibitions and accumulating honors and awards in Italy and abroad. His art is admired and acclaimed in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Lisbon, and even in Australia. His talent and mastery in sculpture earn him a prominent place in the artistic landscape of the 20th century.
In addition to his career as a sculptor, Emilio Greco is dedicated to teaching. Between 1955 and 1967, he is a professor of sculpture at the Academy of Naples and later returns to teach in Rome. His influence also extends abroad, with a chair at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and work in Salzburg at the invitation of Oskar Kokoschka.
Emilio Greco was an artist constantly evolving, experimenting with new techniques and styles throughout his career. His deep dedication to art was reflected in his creative philosophy, as demonstrated by a verse written by himself: "PERHAPS IT WAS NOT IN VAIN TO LOVE EACH OTHER IF YOUR IMAGE WILL ETERNALLY LIVE IN BRONZE..." He was a self-critical artist, often dissatisfied with his works, but proud of the creative process and the pleasure it brought.
Emilio Greco died in Rome on April 5, 1995, leaving behind a lasting artistic legacy. His masterpieces are displayed in major museums and collections around the world, including the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, and the Emilio Greco Museum in Orvieto, inaugurated in 1991. His art continues to inspire and captivate contemporary art lovers, confirming him as one of the greatest sculptors of the twentieth century.