La Vittoria is a sculpture by Italian artist Eugenio Baroni, created in 1929. Baroni (1880–1935) was a sculptor trained at the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti in Genoa, where he developed a distinctive expressionist language informed by the work of Rodin and the symbolism of Leonardo Bistolfi, with elements drawn from Northern European art.
Following his service as a volunteer in the First World War, during which he received the silver medal for military valor at Monte Grappa, Baroni underwent a profound shift in perspective. His experience of conflict generated deep pessimism about war, a conviction that put him at odds with the rise of fascism in Italy. This ideological stance constrained his ability to realize certain monumental projects, including a planned sanctuary dedicated to fallen soldiers that incorporated futurist elements in its conceptual sketches.
About Eugenio Baroni
Baroni spent much of his career in Genoa, where he created numerous works for the Staglieno monumental cemetery. His mature practice synthesized the influence of his early mentors while advancing toward a more personal, expressionistic mode. The Tomba Grosso Bonnin exemplifies his artistic synthesis and his transcendence of earlier influences.
Details
- Creator: Eugenio Baroni
- Year: 1929
- Medium: Sculpture
- Artist’s life: 1880–1935
- Primary association: Genoa, Italy
Frequently asked questions
Who was Eugenio Baroni?
Eugenio Baroni was an Italian sculptor born in Taranto in 1880 and trained at the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti in Genoa. He developed a distinctive expressionist style influenced by Rodin and Leonardo Bistolfi, and spent much of his life working in Genoa, where he died in 1935.
What experience shaped Baroni’s art?
Baroni served as a volunteer in the First World War and received the silver medal for military valor at Monte Grappa. This experience generated profound pessimism about warfare, which influenced his artistic outlook and led him to oppose fascism.
Where did Baroni create most of his works?
Baroni created many of his sculptures for the Staglieno monumental cemetery in Genoa, the city where he lived for much of his career.
