Marino Marini Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Marino
Marini

Marino Marini is celebrated for his eloquent equestrian statues, which fuse classical form with modernist abstraction. If you’re looking for original Marino Marini prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Born in 1901 in Pistoia, Italy, Marino Marini embarked on his journey at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, where he dedicated himself to mastering sculpture. His early years were deeply influenced by the rich traditions of Renaissance art, a theme that resonated throughout his body of work.

Initially drawing inspiration from Etruscan art and the sculptures of Arturo Martini, his work developed an archaic quality. However, it was his fascination with the horse and rider motif that defined his legacy. This theme, recurring throughout his career, became a medium through which he explored the anxieties of the post-war world, often depicting his figures in states of tension. This symbolised the complex relationship between man and animal, and broadly, between humanity and the modern environment.

Marini's sculptures, typically cast in bronze, are distinguished by their stylised, abstracted forms and the emotional resonance they convey. His most notable works include the series of equestrian statues entitled Cavalli E Cavalieri, which reflect the evolution of his style to a more dramatic, almost apocalyptic representation of the theme.

Beyond sculpture, Marini was an accomplished painter, often employing a vibrant palette to create compositions that echoed the sculptural concerns of form and space. His paintings, though less renowned than his sculptural works, speak to his versatility and depth as an artist.

Marini's career was heightened by numerous accolades and exhibitions, including a significant retrospective at the Palazzo Venezia in Rome and participation in the Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the Grand Prize for Sculpture in 1952. His works are housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Marini's early work was significantly influenced by Futurism, an avant-garde movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. The movement emphasised speed, technology, youth, and violence, all of which were revolutionary in the context of the time. Although Marini's work evolved beyond the confines of Futurism, the dynamic energy and modernist principles of the movement continued to resonate throughout his career, informing his approach to form and space.
Beyond his sculptural endeavours, Marini was a versatile artist who also made significant contributions in painting and printmaking. His paintings, often featuring vivid colours and bold figures, possess a lyrical quality that complements his sculptural themes. As a printmaker, Marini was adept at etching and lithography, which allowed him to experiment with line and texture. These works on paper provided another platform for Marini to express his fascination with the human figure, mythology, and the emotive potential of art.

Marino
Marini