Antoniucci Volti (1915-1989) - Lot 182

Antoniucci Volti (1915-1989) Woman seated cross-legged Terracotta Signed "VOLTI" on left thigh H. 20 cm Originally from Italy, the Volti family settled in France in 1920. Antoniucci Volti studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Nice, before entering the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was awarded the Second Grand Prix de Rome in 1936. In the aftermath of the Second World War, during which he was held prisoner in Bavaria for three years, the young sculptor broke away from his academic training, following in the footsteps of such 20th-century greats as Picasso, Matisse and Maillol, and developed a more personal style. His main source of inspiration is the female figure. The artist explored the female body in a variety of attitudes, sometimes standing, sitting or lying down. Through supple, geometric lines, voluptuous forms and structured faces with almond-shaped eyes, Volti conveys a sense of serenity, joy and harmony.