Francesco Messina

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameFrancesco Maria•Messina
Used nameFrancesco•Messina
Born15 December 1900 in Linguaglossa, Catania (ITA)
Died13 September 1995 in Milano, Milano (ITA)
NOC Italy

Biography

As a young artist, Italian sculptor Francesco Messina was an excellent draftsman, and found an early affinity for the human form. He soon began to sculpt in clay (terra cotta) and other media. He studied in Genoa before moving to Milano in 1932, and was soon appointed a tenured professor at the Brera Art Academy, developing into one of the most important figurative sculptors of the 20th century. In the 1930s, his sculptures were exhibited throughout Europe in group shows of Italian artists. One of his best known works is the Dying Horse at the entrance to the Italian public broadcaster RAI in Roma. Initially influenced by futurism, he remained attached to figurative representation, mostly in the form of nudes and portrait busts, in bronze, marble, plaster and (painted) terracotta. His daughter Paola also became a sculptor and later his biographer.

Messina’s association with the Fascist Party (he was a long-time member) during World War II may have been a simple question of opportunism, since it facilitated his receiving public appointments and public commissions. His association was sufficient to bring about a brief post-war suspension as director of the Brera Academy. His art was rarely political, but after World War II occasionally dealt with themes like war and violence. Messina was little known outside Italy, though his commissioned works can still be seen in a number of countries, and he sometimes exhibited internationally.

Messina created a series of sculptures that show boxers. The marble statue depicted in the Berlin 1936 catalog is one of the larger-than-life sports statues that was erected around the Stadio dei Marmi in Roma. Il Pugilatore was created in 1931-1933 and was donated by the Province of Ascoli Piceno. The boxer Marino Girolami is said to have been the model. The bronze figure Il Marciatore dates from 1931 and was exhibited at the Venezia Biennale the following year.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Art Competitions ITA Francesco Messina
Sculpturing, Statues, Open (Olympic) AC
Sculpturing, Statues, Open (Olympic) AC