Gare invernale
1931 - 1932
Arturo Martini
What title would you give this artwork? Arturo Martini chose 'Gare invernale', literally translated as 'Winter Sports'. Not exactly the first association one would make when looking at this still, quiet man and woman. It’s possible that the artist is referring to naturism with this work, a movement that sees harmony between humans and nature as an ideal.
Details
- Plan number: C6
- Zone: Collection pavilion
- Title: Gare invernale
- Creator: Arturo Martini
- Date: 1931 - 1932
- Material: terracotta
- Acquisition: purchase, 1953
- Object number: MID.B.055
The positive view of the athletic, often naked body and a fanatical practice of outdoor sports align with the fascist ideology that Martini embraced. In the 1930s, winter sports in Italy served as a way to display physical strength, discipline, and national pride.
This man and woman strongly recall ancient Greek sculpture. Arturo Martini does not depict ‘real people,’ but idealized figures, inspired by his love for classical sculpture and the ideology of fascism.
In the work of the Italian sculptor Arturo Martini, his admiration for Etruscan and classical sculpture is evident, yet there is also a modern touch. He gained fame for his public sculptures commissioned by Fascist Italy during the 1930s and 1940s. He mainly worked figuratively and used a wide variety of materials, from clay and wood to stone and silver.
From the same artist
Arturo Martini
‘La Nena’ (the girl) is the pet name of Maria, the daughter of Arturo Martini. In 1930 he immortalized her in terracotta. It is a lifelike image that captures Maria’s sad expression well. Martini portrays her at the moment she leaves for boarding school as a 9-year-old. She stares out of the train window with her mouth slightly open and a dreamy look. She leans forward a little, crosses her arms in front of her chest and tries to hold the hat on her twisted braids.
Arturo Martini
A woman, nude except for a small hat, enjoys the sun. It is a classical female nude, but the headwear adds a surprising detail. The woman's posture also deviates from tradition, giving Arturo Martini’s sculpture a modern touch. In 1930s fascist Italy, sunbathing was promoted as a way to build a perfect and healthy body. The focus on the ideal body was closely linked to national pride.
Arturo Martini
The inspiration for this sculpture comes from a book by Giovanni Verga, about a she-wolf in human form. About the posture of the statue, Arturo Martini says: “The natural form of man is a child crawling on all fours.” He thinks that sculptures of standing people are never beautiful.
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