
Solida n.12
1972
Pietro Consagra's *Solida n.12*, a striking bronze sculpture from 1972, exemplifies the artist's pioneering exploration of frontal sculpture. Composed of multiple vertical bronze planes, the work establishes a powerful presence through its interplay of material and void. Irregularly shaped apertures, carved into the bronze, punctuate the surface, creating a rhythmic cadence of light and shadow. These organic cutouts are not mere embellishments; they are integral to the sculpture's structure, allowing the surrounding space to become an active, contributing element of the composition. The rich, patinated bronze surface, with its varied tones and subtle textures, grounds the abstract form in a tangible reality, inviting close inspection of its meticulously crafted details and revealing the hand of the artist. The overall impression is one of a carefully orchestrated visual rhythm, where the solidity of the bronze is continually challenged and redefined by the negative spaces it frames. Consagra famously challenged the traditional "round" sculpture, advocating for a frontal, two-dimensional experience that he believed was more aligned with human interaction and perception. In *Solida n.12*, this philosophy is vividly realized, as the sculpture asserts its presence primarily from a single vantage point, yet rewards viewers with subtle shifts in perspective as they move around it. The title itself, "Solida," offers an intriguing paradox, highlighting the substantiality of the bronze while simultaneously drawing attention to the significant negative space that defines its form. This dialectic between presence and absence, mass and openness, is a hallmark of Consagra's most compelling work. As part of the extensive "Solida" series, this piece represents a refined iteration of his ongoing investigation into the sculptural plane, offering both continuity with his foundational ideas and a unique expression of material and form. This intimate yet commanding sculpture offers a profound statement on the nature of perception and the sculptural object, making it a distinguished acquisition for any discerning collection focused on post-war Italian abstraction.
- Medium
- Bronze sculpture
🔨 Auction Lot
Martini Studio d'Arte: Modern & Contemporary Art (December 2018)
December 20, 2018
Estimate: €8,000 to €10,000
Lot 32
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