Edizioni d'Arte TREC - Amerigo Tot - Sculpture, Fermalibri scultorei in bronzo e pietra – Amerigo Tot – Calco mani Papa Paolo VI – Edizione Limitata - 30 cm - Bronze, Stone - 1975

Rare and excellent pair of art sculptures/bookends realized by the Hungarian master Amerigo Tot (1909–1984) for Edizioni d'Arte TREC (Rome) on the occasion of the Holy Year 1975 under the pontificate of Pope Paul VI.

The work represents the two symbolic and ritual tools used for opening and closing the Holy Door in the papal basilicas: the trowel and the mason’s hammer (bo­­cciarda). The bronze sculptures are set in two evocative blocks of natural split stone mounted on polished white marble slabs.

Historico-artistic features of great significance: the handles of the two bronze elements were modeled directly from the imprint of Pope Paul VI’s hand, who pressed the fresh clay before the final casting.

Pontifical Coat of Arms: Both pieces bear in casting the medallion with Paul VI’s heraldic emblem (the three lilies and the six hills), the papal tiara, the keys of Saint Peter, and the inscription Paulus VI Pont. Max. - Annus Sanctus MCMLXXV.

Artist’s Signature: The characteristic raised monogram "tot" is incised in wax on the bronze.

Limited Edition: Exemplary number 97 / 975, where the total number celebrates the Jubilee year ’75. Edition numbers below 100 are particularly prized by art collectors.

Each bookend measures about 40 × 30 × 16 cm, the combined weight of the two is about 30 kg.

Very heavy; possible in-person pickup in Parma, Italy.