Antonio Frilli

(Florence circa 1880 – after 1921)

Florentine sculptor, famed for turning marble into timeless beauty.

Antonio Frilli was an accomplished Italian sculptor active during the early 20th century, particularly renowned for his work in the Art Deco aesthetic. Though little is documented about his personal life, his sculptures themselves offer eloquent testimony to his remarkable technical precision, artistic sensitivity, and mastery of marble. His creations are celebrated for their refined elegance, exceptional detail, and purity of materials—qualities that make them highly sought after in international art auctions.

Operating a renowned workshop in Florence, Frilli produced numerous funerary monuments, busts, and public commissions that reflect his fine craftsmanship. His skill and reputation led to significant collaborations, including the monument Caduti di Lano (c. 1921), co-signed with sculptor Benso Vignolini. Frilli’s craftsmanship also attracted royal patronage; he contributed to commissions for King Charles I of Romania, a member of the Hohenzollern family.

Although his name remains relatively discreet in academic literature, Antonio Frilli’s sculptures continue to engage and inspire collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. His work stands out for its harmonious blend of classical refinement and Art Deco stylization, yielding compositions that emphasize fluid lines, graceful forms, and meticulous polish. Whether carved into funerary art or public portraiture, each piece displays Frilli’s unwavering dedication to artistic excellence.

Frilli’s legacy endures through the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of his marble artworks. His sculptures, ranging from intimate busts of private patrons to grand public memorials, transcend the era in which they were made. They reflect both the technical mastery of an experienced sculptor and the visionary aesthetic of early 20th‑century decorativeness. Today, Antonio Frilli remains a revered figure among those who appreciate the merging of craftsmanship and artistic elegance.

Literature :

• PANZETTA, A. Nuovo Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani dell’Ottocento e del primo Novecento, 3e éd. Vol.1. Umberto Allemandi & C., Italy, 2003. p.377