Sirio Tofanari

Sirio Tofanari (Florence, 1886 – Milano, 1969) was an Italian sculptor and medalist, best known for his refined representations of animals. His work is rooted in Art Nouveau and Symbolism, distinguished by a keen naturalistic rendering and attention to anatomical detail.

Tofanari received his artistic education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and later continued his studies in Rome. From an early age, he showed a fascination with animals, which became the central theme of his work. He studied the anatomy and behavior of animals in zoos and natural history museums, infusing his sculptures with both realism and poetic sensibility.

Throughout his career, he exhibited in numerous national and international shows, including the Venice Biennale and various world expositions. His sculptures, often cast in bronze, ranged from small models to large-scale monuments, all marked by their anatomical precision and expressive movement.

His most frequent subjects included big cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic creatures. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Tofanari avoided romanticized or symbolic interpretations, instead aiming to capture the living essence of the animal. His art reflects a deep biological understanding blended with artistic vision.

In addition to sculpture, Tofanari also excelled in medal-making, producing portraits and commemorative pieces that showcased the same technical finesse found in his larger works.

After his death, many of his pieces entered museum collections and private holdings. Today, Sirio Tofanari is recognized as one of Italy’s leading early 20th-century animal sculptors, whose work bridges science and art with elegance and integrity.