Michele Caltagirone (1854-1928) also known as il Quarantino[1] was a Sicilian sculptor who spent most of his life in
Casteltermini, Sicily, Italy. He is known for producing ecclesiastical works for various churches throughout Sicily using stone, wood, and clay.[2]
Early life
Caltagirone was born on 2 September 1854 to Girolamo Caltagirone and Maria Angela Lo Bue in
Casteltermini, a commune in the
province of Agrigento,
Sicily, southern
Italy. Although Sicilian feudalism was formally abolished during the Napoleonic Wars, much of the peasant class was excluded from rising in social status.[3] Consequently, Caltagirone was expected to become a shoemaker, the profession of his father. As a young apprentice, he spent time away from his father's workshop to model and shape clay.
Career
By the time Caltagirone was 25 years old, he had quit his occupation as a shoemaker to become a full time sculptor. He studied in
Palermo for about two years to learn the techniques of sculpting wood before returning to
Casteltermini to open a workshop. He was commissioned by monasteries, congregations, parish priests, and private citizens to create works that primarily focused on sacred images.[4]
Michele Caltagirone remained an isolated person for most of his life. Having never married or had children, he died on 1 January 1928 in
Casteltermini after becoming ill several months prior.[5][6]
Works
Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross, c. 1893.Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The stigmata of
Francis of Assisi with
Brother Leo in colored terracotta (c. 30 cm), c. 1920. Commissioned by the Chiesa del Convento dei Cappuccini,
Caccamo, Italy, but was later removed to another church.
The stigmata of
Francis of Assisi with
Brother Leo and
Bernard of Quintavalle in colored terracotta (c. 30 cm), Chiesa del Convento dei Cappuccini,
Caccamo, Italy, c. 1920. A copy was produced for P. Venanzio, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor.
Wooden crucifix (c. 140 cm), commissioned for municipal cemetery in
Caccamo, Italy, c. 1921.
Michele Caltagirone (1854-1928) also known as il Quarantino[1] was a Sicilian sculptor who spent most of his life in
Casteltermini, Sicily, Italy. He is known for producing ecclesiastical works for various churches throughout Sicily using stone, wood, and clay.[2]
Early life
Caltagirone was born on 2 September 1854 to Girolamo Caltagirone and Maria Angela Lo Bue in
Casteltermini, a commune in the
province of Agrigento,
Sicily, southern
Italy. Although Sicilian feudalism was formally abolished during the Napoleonic Wars, much of the peasant class was excluded from rising in social status.[3] Consequently, Caltagirone was expected to become a shoemaker, the profession of his father. As a young apprentice, he spent time away from his father's workshop to model and shape clay.
Career
By the time Caltagirone was 25 years old, he had quit his occupation as a shoemaker to become a full time sculptor. He studied in
Palermo for about two years to learn the techniques of sculpting wood before returning to
Casteltermini to open a workshop. He was commissioned by monasteries, congregations, parish priests, and private citizens to create works that primarily focused on sacred images.[4]
Michele Caltagirone remained an isolated person for most of his life. Having never married or had children, he died on 1 January 1928 in
Casteltermini after becoming ill several months prior.[5][6]
Works
Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross, c. 1893.Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The stigmata of
Francis of Assisi with
Brother Leo in colored terracotta (c. 30 cm), c. 1920. Commissioned by the Chiesa del Convento dei Cappuccini,
Caccamo, Italy, but was later removed to another church.
The stigmata of
Francis of Assisi with
Brother Leo and
Bernard of Quintavalle in colored terracotta (c. 30 cm), Chiesa del Convento dei Cappuccini,
Caccamo, Italy, c. 1920. A copy was produced for P. Venanzio, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor.
Wooden crucifix (c. 140 cm), commissioned for municipal cemetery in
Caccamo, Italy, c. 1921.