98 - Benito Mussolini - Alessandro Pavolini (Carlo Rivalta)

Benito Mussolini - Alessandro Pavolini (Carlo Rivalta) dating: 1934 provenance: Kingdom of Italy, A large bronze bas-relief cast using the lost-wax technique. The rectangular plaque depicting Il Duce in profile, facing left, within a recessed circular medallion with a crackled effect and gold damascening. Below the medallion, the motto "SE AVANZO SEGUITEMI SE INDIETREGGIO UCCIDETEMI" in relief. On one side the signature "C. Rivalta". The lower section of the plaque shaped as a fasces. The blades of both axes bearing inscriptions: "MARIO NELLI ESEGUI'" and "PRO. ART. CASA B. CELLINI FIRENZE". The thick bronze plaque mounted on a rectangular wooden panel fitted with a brass plate bearing the inscription: "ALLA FEDERAZIONE DEI FASCI DI COMBATTIMENTO DI FIRENZE CON INFRANGIBILE FEDE IL DOTT. ALESSANDRO PAVOLINI A IMPERITURO RICORDO DONO' / FIRENZE / 20 MAGGIO 1934-XII". The bronze with a beautiful dark brown patina, the gilding of the medallion well preserved. The brass plate partially darkened. Carlo Rivalta (1887–1941), an important Florentine sculptor, particularly renowned for his skill in portraiture and the austerity of his expressive style, also served as Professor of Sculpture and subsequently as Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Smaller reproductions of this work are known to exist, but in this case, it makes a striking impression and displays exceptional sculptural quality.