Lithograph depicting a horse, created by Francesco Messina in the 1960s.

Ø cm 55 h cm 74 including frame

Francesco Messina (Linguaglossa, December 15, 1900 – Milan, September 13, 1995) was one of the greatest Italian sculptors of the 20th century.

Born in Linguaglossa, Sicily, he grew up in Genoa, where he studied at the Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts. This period was fundamental for his artistic training, influenced by classical and Renaissance sculpture.
At the age of thirty-two, he moved to Milan, a city that became his operational center and where he created many of his most important works.
Messina is considered one of the leading exponents of figurative sculpture of the Italian twentieth century, alongside Manzù, Martini, and Marini. 

His works show a deep knowledge of classical Greek and Roman sculpture, with particular attention to form and anatomy.
'Although representing realistic figures, Messina tended to idealize them, endowing them with a timeless beauty and monumentality.'
He was a master in the working of bronze and marble, materials he used with great skill to express the plasticity and vitality of his figures.

"He has created numerous portraits of important personalities, including popes, politicians, and artists, characterized by a deep psychological introspection."
Female figures, often nude or semi-nude, are a recurring theme in her work, depicted with elegance and sensuality.
In particular, the horse, which represents a symbol of strength and vitality, is a subject that often recurs in his sculptures.
He created several works on religious themes, including the Stations of the Cross for the sanctuary of San Giovanni Rotondo.