Place: São Paulo
Born: 1894
Death: 1955
Biography:
Vittorio Breheret, also known as Victor Brecheret, was a renowned Italian-Brazilian sculptor born on December 15, 1894, in Farnese, Italy. He later moved to Brazil with his family at the age of 10 and spent most of his life in São Paulo, except for his studies in Paris in his early twenties. Breheret's work combines techniques of European modernist sculpture with references to his native country through the physical characteristics of his human forms and visual motifs drawn from Brazilian folk art.
Brecheret was one of the first Brazilian modernists to achieve success. In 1921, his sculpture Eve was acquired by the São Paulo city hall. In 1922, his work was exhibited in the foyer of the Municipal Theatre during the Week of Modern Art (Semana de Arte Moderna). His O Grupo was acquired by the French government in 1934 for the Musée du Jeu de Paume; it was later moved to the public library at La Roche-sur-Yon, where it remains on display.
Breheret's best-known work is the massive Monument to the Banderas (Monumento às Bandeiras) at the entrance of Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo. This monumental sculpture was proposed in 1920, begun in 1936, and completed on January 25, 1953. His style is characterized by the use of modernist techniques and references to Brazilian folk art, making him a pioneer of Brazilian modernist sculpture.
Breheret's work has been recognized and awarded several times. He was awarded the Prêmio Saci, a prestigious award in Brazil. His work can be found in various museums, including the Museu de Arte in São Paulo.
For more information about Vittorio Breheret and his work, visit the Wikioo.org website, which features a collection of his sculptures, including Faun and San Francisco. You can also find more information on Wikipedia. The Instituto Victor Brecheret website also provides a comprehensive overview of the artist's life and work.