Giovanni Strazza

Giovanni Strazza

Giovanni Strazza was an Italian Academic Neoclassical sculptor who lived from 1818 to 1875. His art is known for his technical precision, delicate style, and emotional realism. His ability to carve lifelike faces with complex emotions from stone is astounding. Strazza’s most famous work is his astounding masterpiece, “The Veiled Virgin”, which has delicate, nearly translucent, folds of fabric carved into stone.

Giovanni Strazza was born in Milan in 1818. He had his first artistic training at the Brera Academy in Milan where he graduated. His academic training gave him ample exposure to the Neoclassical ideals which he used in his art. Such as idealized forms, symmetry, and harmony. These motifs found their way into his art.

In 1840, Strazza moved to Rome to continue his artistic pursuits, studying under Pietro Tenerani, Pompeo Marchesi, and Ticino Francesco Somaini. Strazza completed his first major work in 1844 with “Ishmael Abandoned in the Desert” to much acclaim. In Rome, he completed what many believe to be his life’s masterpiece, “The Veiled Virgin”, which ended up in a Catholic sisters’ home in Newfoundland. Strazza remained in Rome until 1858.

In 1860, Strazza moved back home to Milan where he would for the rest of his life. He taught at the Brera Academy where he had graduated 20 years prior. Strazza was the Sculpture Chair, a position he held until his death in 1875. Giovanni Strazza died in 1875 at 57 years old.

Though Neoclassical, Strazza’s work was steeped in realism. His art style is sometimes described as expressive realism. He was captivated by the Neoclassical style and modeled his religious and mythological subjects in that style. His art was extremely delicate, with lifelike realism and expressionism.

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