100 - 8° Reggimento Bersaglieri (Angelo Malavolti)

8° Reggimento Bersaglieri (Angelo Malavolti) dating: first quarter of the 20th Century provenance: Kingdom of Italy, A bronze sculpture worked in the round using the lost-wax casting technique. Depicting a Bersagliere of the 8th Regiment (as indicated by the number on the fez) in the act of charging with fixed bayonet. The base signed "A. Malavolti". The sculpture mounted on a pedestal of "Pietra del Cardoso", of a matte brown colour, bearing a brass plaque inscribed: "AL TENENTE GENERALE GUSTAVO FARA ESEMPIO INCROLLABILE DI FEDE E SUPREMO EROISMO IL COLONNELLO UGO CONTI A IMPERITURO RICORDO DONO' / FIRENZE / II-1919". The musket sling detached on one side (easily repairable). The sculpture in good condition, with a beautiful, antique brown patina on the bronze. Angelo (Angiolo) Malavolti (1876–1947), an important Florentine sculptor known for his extensive production of works in bronze, marble and alabaster, encompassing historical, military and naturalistic subjects. Gustavo Fara (1859–1936) was an Italian general and politician, renowned for his long military career. He fought in both the colonial campaigns and the First World War and was awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valour for his actions in Libya (1911) and the Military Order of Savoy. Colonel Ugo Conti commanded the 8th Bersaglieri Regiment from July 16, 1918, until the end of the Great War (awarded the Military Order of Savoy).