Paolo Camporese - Orfeo

Title: Orpheus: A Metaphysical Journey Between Myth and Architecture
In this extraordinary high 46 cm terracotta patinated sculpture, the myth of Orpheus is reinterpreted through the cultivated, silent language of Metaphysics. The work does not present itself as a traditional human figure, but as a De Chirico-esque mannequin, a timeless entity wrapped in a classical toga that underscores its solemnity.
The body of the piece transforms into a kind of architecture of memory. Inside we find:
• Geometries and Symbols: Two triangles shaped into the bust recall mathematical perfection and rigorous construction.
• The Sacred and the Stage: A temple enclosure houses a theatrical mask, evoking the indivisible bond between Orpheus, tragedy, and the performing arts.
• The Drama and the Music: At the lower part emerges Orpheus’s head, flanked by a shield and an element resembling a violin key, symbolizing his lyrical power capable of taming the forests and the underworld.
Orpheus is a vertical and austere work, a miniature monument that invites contemplation of the past through the eyes of modernity.
Auction title: "Orpheus" - Metaphysical Sculpture in Polychrome Terracotta - 46 cm
In the auction, a sculpture of high intellectual and plastic value entitled "Orpheus". The sculpture is made in polychrome patinated terracotta, with an opaque green tone that gives the piece a bronze and antique appearance, while maintaining the warmth of the molded earth.
Packaging: the sculpture is wrapped in bubble wrap placed in a plastic crate, itself placed inside a cardboard box. Accompanied by an authenticity certificate.
Analysis of the work:
• Subject: Metaphysical interpretation of the myth of Orpheus, depicted as a toga-clad mannequin.
• Symbolic Structure: The body is a complex architecture hosting a temple with a mask, geometric references (triangles) and a lower niche containing the myth’s head, a shield, and a stylized violin key.
• Material and Technique: Polychrome patinated terracotta with a rich, detailed texture, particularly evident in the drapery of the toga and the architectural elements.
• Dimensions: Height 46 cm, ideal for contemporary art collecting or high-end interior decoration.
Why buy it:
This is a unique piece, entirely hand-modelled by the author, which guarantees its exclusivity over time. The work stands out for its ability to reinterpret the classical myth through a contemporary sculptural language, forging a bridge between tradition and modernity. Thanks to the solidity of the base and the vertical thrust, the sculpture asserts itself as a scenographic element of strong visual impact, capable of elevating any private collection or a refined interior setting. Accompanied by certificate of authenticity.

Curriculum vitae
Paolo Camporese, lives and works in Padua and for several years has devoted himself to sculpture; the material primarily used is terracotta. He learned to model in the 1990s in his hometown at the studio of a sculptor enlarging sculptures by famous authors (F. Léger, S. Dalí). The use of glazes and engobes was learned at a ceramic workshop in the town of Este.
Critical reviews: Ugo Suman, poet, writer and journalist; Paolo Tieto, writer and art critic; Giuseppe Coccato, painter and poet; Leda Cempellin, Lecturer of Visual Arts at South Dakota University, USA; Silvana Weiller Romanin Jacur, art critic and journalist; Licia Cherchi, art critic.
He has worked with the following galleries: Minarte Treviso, Artequadri Camposampiero (PD), Galleria XXI secolo Padova, Viaducadiarte Bologna and Galleria occhio quadrato of Argenta (Fe) website www.camporesearte.com
Recent exhibitions:
1997 Padua, Centro d'arte C.C.A.U., Palazzo Polcastro, "Mystery Reliefs and Sculptures", group show curated by P.J. Art Diffusion.
1998 Padua, Centro d'arte C.C.A.U., Palazzo Polcastro, "Sculptures", curated by P.J. Art diffusion.
2002 Paintings of Galleria XXI secolo 6 June 2002
2002 Arte Fiera of Bolzano 12-20 October.
2003 National painting prize of Campagnola di Brugine (30/8-7/9 2003) out of competition.
2004 Art Form First sculpture biennial. Padua 22 May – 18 June 2004, Villa Breda.
2005 Vicenza arte. Galleria Minarte.
2005 Arte Parma. Galleria Minarte.
2005 Padua Antiquarian Fair. Galleria Minarte.
2005 Borgoricco 8-13 July, Sculpère Tempum: Venetian sculpture competition. Out-of-competition exhibition of four sculptures. Galleria Artequadri.
2005 Reggio Emilia 8-11 December, contemporary art fair presented by Edizioni dell’acquario.
2006 Vicenza arte. Galleria Minarte.
2006 Padova art form Biennale of sculpture second edition (20/5-16/7 2006). Museo del Vetro di Montegrotto Terme (Pd).
2006 Longarone art fair. Galleria Minarte.
2007 Cibarti (the body, the soul, the nourishment). Cultural Association Paolo Capovilla. Second exposure of Independent Artists. Padua, ex Macello 14-31 July 2007.
2008 Riciclarti. Cultural Association Paolo Capovilla. Third exposure of Independent Artists. Padua, Bastione Alicorno 5-18 May 2008.
2008 Diversamente “Arte e differenza” 22 September- 1 October. Fornace Carotta Padua.
2008 33rd European Studies Conference, October 2-4, 2008, University of Nebraska-Omaha. Paper No 3 “Solitude e vulnerability, destructions and New beginnings: six Paduan artists”. Presentation by Leda Cempellin, Assistant Professor in the History of Art, University of South Dakota.
2008 MoMart, first edition 2 November 2008, Padovan artists’ market show. Piazza Capitaniato Padova.
2009 “Between individual and collective memory: six paduan artists” 10 January 2009, 7th Hawaii International Conference on Arts, Honolulu. Presentation by Leda Cempellin, Assistant Professor in the History of Art, University of South Dakota.
2009 Astrarti emotion, art and science. 2009 Galileo Year. Padova ex Macello 5-28 June 2009.
2009 Disomogenea. 14 artists in comparison. 14 August-6 September, Pescheria vecchia di Este.
2009 Italia-Sud America art fair 23-29 November 2009, Sala polivalente C.d.Q. 4.
2010 Individuarti collective Ass. Capovilla 13/03 – 5/04 2010 Padova ex Macello.
2010 “The metropolis of man”, RAM and surroundings, Padua Bastione Alicorno 15-31 October 2010.
2011 International sculpture prize finalist “Zurich Club top 30”
2011 “Pragmatica” collective Ass. Capovilla 9/09-2/10 2011 Padova ex Macello.
2011 “The power of seduction” artistic passes 2011, Padua Bastione Alicorno 20/9-15/10 2011.
2012 “Bridge to the East” Sala “Rigoni Stern” Ponte S. Nicolò (Pd) 21/4-28/4 2012.
2012 “Viaggio” (inside, outside, through) Ass. Capovilla 28 July-26 August 2012 ex Macello Padova
2012 “ArtCibò” Ass. “A&T Design 15 September-13 October 2012 Galleria La Rinascente Padova
2013 “Nel mio piccolo” 6-29 June 2013 Galleria D.P. Arte, Piazza Severi 34, Padova.
2013 “Transformations” 2/8-15/9 Padova, ex macello, Via Cornaro 1a.
2014 “Tabula rasa” 24/7-24/8 Padova, ex macello, Via Cornaro 1a.
2015 “Mostra di scultura e design” 14/2 – 10/3 Galleria Dino Piccolo. Piazzetta Severi 34, Padova.
2015 “San Sebastiano between sacred and profane” 21/3 – 15/4 Sala Nemesio Orsatti via Risorgimento, 4 Pontelagoscuro (Fe).
2017 “Smack” 14/7-10/8 2017 Padua, ex macello, Via Cornaro 1a.
2018 “Codice rosso” collective Centro culturale S. Gaetano 25 November – 2 December 2018 Padua.
2020 Solo show Galleria Occhio quadrato Argenta (Fe) 20 October - 31 December.
2022 BAF “Bergamo art fair,” 25-27 April 2022 Galleria Artequadri
2022 “(Un)fair” Milan 8-10 April 2022 Galleria Artequadri.
2023 “Donna, vita libertà” collective show Chioggia 3 June 2024.
2024 “Donna, vita libertà” collective show. Municipality of Turriaco 3-15 November 2024.
2025 “Against war” show of the Artisti indipendenti association, Villa Breda Ponte di Brenta (Pd)
2026 “Anni deliri vanità” show of the Artisti indipendenti association 18 April -10 May 2026 ex macello via Cornaro 1 Padova.