- EMILIO GRECO ARTWORKS

- EMILIO GRECO PAINTER

Emilio Greco, born in Catania on 11 October 1913, was one Italian sculptor, writer and illustrator highly talented and recognized.

Since he was a child, he manifested an innate passion for art, filling his notebooks with drawings despite his father's initial disapproval, who hoped for a more profitable profession for his son. His determination and creativity push him to pursue his dream despite adversity.

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 building company specializing in the restoration and construction of civic monuments. This experience proved to be fundamental for his artistic development, as it allowed him to quickly learn the art of sculpting marble and modeling clay. Despite the difficulties he manages to make significant progress in his artistic career.

In 1934 Emilio Greco obtained a certificate from the Palermo Academy and subsequently carried out his military service in the Royal Army, participating in various colonial battles. During the Second World War, in Rome, he passively follows 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 obtained the teaching post at the Liceo in via Ripetta, an important recognition for his career.

Emilio Greco's enormous popularity surged in 1956 with the creation of the monument to Pinocchio and the Fairy in Collodi. His works are characterized by a poetic touch, in particular the cycle of Great bathers and portraits of young women. Other significant works include the Monument to Pope Giovanni XXIII in St. Peter's and the Doors of the Cathedral of Orvieto, completed in 1970.

Emilio Greco travels extensively, exhibiting his works in important international exhibitions and accumulating honors and prizes in Italy and abroad. His art is admired and acclaimed in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Lisbon and even Australia. His talent and mastery of sculpture earned him a prominent place in the art scene of the 20th century.

In addition to his career as a sculptor, Emilio Greco is devoted to teaching. Between 1955 and 1967, he was professor of sculpture at the Academy of Naples and later he returned to teaching in Rome. His influence also extends abroad, with a professorship at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and work in Salzburg at the invitation of Oskar Kokoschka.

Emilio Greco was a constantly evolving artist, experimenting with new techniques and styles throughout his career. His profound dedication to art was reflected in his creative philosophy, as evidenced by a verse written by himself: "PERHAPS IT WAS NOT IN VAIN TO LOVE US 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 that came with it.

Emilio Greco died in Rome on April 5, 1995, leaving behind a lasting artistic legacy. His masterpieces are exhibited 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, which opened in 1991. His art continues to inspire and fascinate contemporary art lovers, confirming him as one of the greatest sculptors of the twentieth century.