A fine bronze cast of a young antelope or male deer licking its back, by Sirio Tofanari (1886-1969). An old model with degraded dark-brown patina and lighter brown tones. Signed Sirio Tofanari on the base.

Title: Young Antelope

Dimensions: 20 cm (h)

Material: Bronze

Signature: S. Tofanari

Sirio Tofanari (1886-1969)

Along with Rembrandt Bugatti, Sirio Tofanari is recognized as one of Italy's leading sculptors of the animal movement. He was born in Florence in 1886, the son and grandson of ornamental sculptors and the younger brother of painter and sculptor Salvino Tofanari.

Like his father and older brother, whom he accompanied from an early age when they went hunting on the family estates, Sirio studied at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, where he took practical classes from 1902 to 1907. Tofanari moved to Paris and then to London, where he perfected his technique. In London, he went to the zoo every day to study animals. In 1908, he exhibited in both Faenza and Turin, where he attracted favorable attention.1928 was marked by a solo exhibition of the artist's work in Brussels, opened by Elisabeth of Belgium. The presence of this eminent supporter of the arts, who made purchases for his own collection, testifies to Tofanari's considerable reputation at the time.

A perceptive observer of nature, Tofanari was famous for his ability to sculpt animals in their distinctive gait and to capture the naturalness of his subjects through his chiseling prowess. From 1909 to 1934, he took part in every edition of the Venice Biennale, while an entire pavilion at the Rome Quadriennale was dedicated to him. His works can be admired in leading galleries in Italy and abroad: Rome, Florence, Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Bahia Blanca, Santa Fe, Rio de Janeiro, San Paolo. In 1937, he moved to Milan, where his works were in demand from private patrons. However, his house, studio and contents were destroyed in an Allied bombing raid in 1942.

In 1949, the President of the Republic issued a decree appointing Sirio Tofanari a member of the Accademia di San Luca in Roma.