99 - Benito Mussolini (Cesare Tarrini)

Benito Mussolini (Cesare Tarrini) dating: 1925 - 1926 circa provenance: Kingdom of Italy, An impressive bronze bust worked in the round, executed using the lost-wax casting technique. Mussolini depicted wearing the diplomatic uniform of the Kingdom of Italy, probably portrayed when he was approximately forty years old or slightly older. The bust signed at the lower right "C. Tarrini". Two old labels are also affixed to the reverse, bearing the inscriptions "S.E. BENITO MUSSOLINI (C. TARRINI)" and "ANNO 1926-IV E.F.". The surface with a beautiful, well-preserved brown patina. In addition to its importance and fine sculptural quality, this work is of considerable interest, as sculptures of this type depicting Mussolini wearing a diplomatic uniform are extremely rare. Cesare Tarrini (1885–1953), an important sculptor and member of the Gruppo Labronico, worked on both public and private commissions. Among his best-known works is the "Monumento del Marinaio", executed between 1926 and 1926 and situated on the seafront of Livorno ever since.