Italian Belle Époque sculptor, master of refined marble.

Affortunato Gory was a refined Italian sculptor active between 1895 and 1925. Born in Florence, he trained at the Accademia di Belle Arti under the renowned sculptor Augusto Rivalta. Gory quickly developed a distinctive style that married strong classical foundations with the elegant sensitivity of modern decorative art. Like many of his contemporaries, he moved to Paris at the turn of the 20th century to further his career and broaden his reputation.

After changing his name from Fortunato Gori to Affortunato Gory, he began exhibiting at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Français in 1902. His debut—a marble and bronze Bust of a woman—received critical acclaim and launched two prolific decades of public exhibition in Paris. Gory became known for his refined technique of blending bronze and marble, often enhanced with alabaster or ivory accents. His subjects, generally graceful female figures, display subtle detailing and rich textures that strike a perfect balance between naturalism and decorative elegance.

Gory’s work epitomizes the artistic spirit of the Belle Époque and the Art Nouveau era. His sculptures, ranging from intimate busts to more elaborate compositions, captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike for their aesthetic harmony and tactile beauty. He exhibited regularly in Paris until 1923, and although little is known of his later life, his legacy endures through the rare and highly regarded works that remain in international collections.

Through his precise modeling, balanced compositions, and expert handling of luxurious materials, Affortunato Gory made a notable contribution to early 20th-century European sculpture. His art continues to be celebrated for its refined elegance, material sophistication, and timeless decorative appeal.

Literature :

• ARWAS, V. Art Deco Sculpture. Academy  Editions, Great Britain, 1992. p. 104-105 & p. 236.

• CATLEY, B. Art Deco and other Figures. 2e éd. Antique Collector’s Club, Spain, 2003. p. 168-170.

• KJELLBERG, P. Les Bronzes du XIXe Siècle, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs. Les éditions de l’amateur, Paris, 1989. p. 363-364.

• PANZETTA, A. Nuovo Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani dell’Ottocento e del primo Novecento, 3^e éd. Umberto Allemandi & C., Italy, 2003. Vol.1. p. 441 & 488.