Francesco Messina (1900-1995) - Laura

An artwork of absolute value, a true investment for the international high-end art market. This magnificent patinated bronze bust, titled "Laura" (1985), is an original certified masterpiece by Francesco Messina (1900-1995), widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential masters of 20th-century Italian figurative sculpture. Messina's works are preserved in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Vatican Museums, Tate Modern, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). "Laura" depicts an ethereal and melancholic portrait of a young woman wrapped in a dynamic and sumptuous drapery that flows smoothly over her shoulders, perfectly capturing Messina's harmony between Renaissance classical geometry and modern emotional intensity. Displayed on an elegant dark pedestal, this sculpture asserts itself as a prestigious work for museum collections and luxury architectural interiors. Technical assessment and details: Artistic quality and fusion: Superb lost-wax bronze casting with exceptional definition. The subtle interaction between the smooth, delicate finish of the face skin and the heavy, structural folds of the cloak is a masterpiece of modern plastic art. Materials and patina: solid high-quality bronze with a spectacular dark brown-green reflective patina that interacts magnificently under gallery lighting. Authenticity and edition: signed "Francesco Messina" and officially numbered from the exclusive limited edition of 149 pieces. Condition: Excellent original patina intact and well preserved, no destructive oxidation or scratches; the base is in excellent condition. Material: Bronze. Technique: Lost-wax casting. Era: 1985 (20th century). Color: Dark patinated bronze with green/brown reflections. Signature: Present (engraved at the base or on the back of the casting). The work almost certainly falls into Artist's Proofs or Hors Commerce (not for sale) exemplars produced by the foundry directly for the master, his collaborators, or museum exhibitions. For the collectors' market, Artist's Proofs hold the same commercial value (if not sometimes higher due to rarity) as the numbered copies of the standard edition. Foundry quality and casting: This high-end lost-wax bronze casting represents the flagship work of the legendary Battaglia Art Foundry of Milan, the historic elite foundry chosen by Francesco Messina for his greatest masterpieces and public monuments. The precision of cold chasing and the complex depth of the dark green patina magnificently testify to the unparalleled standards of the Milanese foundry from mid-century, expression of the sculptural tradition. The lot will be carefully packed and shipped with contracted couriers and online tracking. For this lot, shipments outside the European Community are not performed.