Antonio and Marcel Amorgasti shaped a distinctive sculptural legacy in Antwerp.

Antonio Amorgasti was a sculptor of Italian origin who settled in Antwerp at the turn of the 20th century. Trained at the Academy of Berchem, he quickly established himself as a skilled moulder and sculptor, working in the renowned workshops of Josuë Dupon and Edward Deckers. He specialized in high-quality ornamental works and portrait medallions, many of which remain visible today in towns such as Averbode, Veerle, and Geel.

His practice reflected the artistic sensibilities of the time, portraying working-class figures such as blacksmiths and metalworkers, alongside animals—both wild and domestic—often drawn from the Antwerp Zoo. His pieces, executed mainly in plaster and bronze, are characterized by expressive modelling and vivid energy. He regularly received commissions for both public and private decorative projects.

His son Marcel, born in Borgerhout in 1908, inherited this vocation. A former lieutenant, passionate baritone singer, and decorated war veteran, he became an accomplished sculptor in his own right, trained first by his father and later at the Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp. He worked notably as an ornamental sculptor for the Rubens House, and also created statues for the Antwerp Zoo, as well as numerous portraits and religious commissions. His career was marked by a strong commitment to naturalist traditions and a keen sensitivity to both animal and human expressiveness.

Initially working alongside his father, Marcel gradually developed a refined and personal style. His contribution to Belgian sculpture earned recognition at major international exhibitions, including the 1958 Exposition Universelle of Brussels and the 1962 Exposition Universelle of New York.

The Amorgasti legacy is firmly tied to Antwerp. Antonio’s brother, August Amorgasti (c.1870–1964), also a sculptor, worked alongside Dupon and contributed dynamic animal compositions in the same naturalist tradition. Together, Antonio, Marcel, and August embody a sculptural lineage defined by technical mastery, expressive force, and a profound sensitivity to the animal world.

Literature :

• PANZETTA, A. Nuovo Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani dell’Ottocento e del primo Novecento, 3e éd. Vol.1. Umberto Allemandi & C., Italie, 2003. p.28
• ENGELEN, C. MARX, M. La Sculpture en Belgique à partir de 1830,Tome I. Engelen – Marx, Louvain, 2006. p. 44-57