Images(2)

Sculpture

Object number2011.65.35

Artist Virgil David Cantini (Italian, 1919 - 2009)

Date1966

Mediumvarious metals(?)

Credit LineGift of Estate of Virgil Cantini

DescriptionSculpture mounted in frame. Stylized image of a female, with twisted rods making up the body. Arms raised and bent. Attached to black (metal?) circular frame with folded triangles pointing upward. White diamond background with multi-colored paper in corners.Dimensions24.625 x 14.75 x 3.125 in. (62.5 x 37.5 x 7.9 cm)
SignedArtist signature on bottom, right of center "Virgil Cantini / 1966".
Historical NotesThis sculpture of a female resembles a larger one entitled "Man" which decorates Parran Hall at the University of Pittsburgh on Fifth Avenue. According to Cantini’s daughter, Lisa Seguin, Cantini was originally commissioned to make two figures, a man and a woman, but the project was eventually scaled back. This female figure is likely a model for the never completed female partner to the Parran Hall male sculpture. Part of a collection of artwork and art tools from artist Virgil Cantini (b. Roccaraso, Italy 1919, d. Pittsburgh 2009). Cantini’s artwork was often inspired by his devout Catholic faith. Cantini’s home on Craig Street often caught the eye of passersby with its bright metal and glass entryway and decorative gating around the roof porch, both designed by Cantini. Cantini and his wife, Lucille Kleber, added a gallery space on to the front of their home to display their artwork and a studio on the second floor. In addition to the studio at the Craig Street house, Cantini worked out of a larger studio on Winthrop Street, housed in a 19th century firehouse.

Related institution University of Pittsburgh

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