Angelo Biancini

Angelo Biancini (Castel Bolognese, April 24, 1911 – Castel Bolognese, January 3, 1988) was one of the most important Italian sculptors and ceramists of the 20th century. He studied at the Art Institute of Florence under the guidance of Libero Andreotti, always favoring an artistic approach rooted in nature and expressive simplicity, avoiding excessive formal virtuosity. His career developed mainly between Castel Bolognese and Faenza, where he worked until his death, leaving an indelible mark on Italian ceramic art and sculpture.
Biancini is renowned for his ceramic works, including bas-reliefs, plaques, and monumental sculptures, created for significant public and religious commissions. Among his most famous works are the doors for the new Basilica of Nazareth, the reliefs for the Latin-American College in Rome, and the group for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Florida. He also created several commemorative monuments, such as the monument to the Alfonsine Resistance, the one dedicated to Alfredo Oriani in Casola Valsenio, to Grazia Deledda in Cervia, to Angelo Celli in Cagli, to Don Minzoni in Argenta, and the sarcophagus of the venerable Benedetta Bianchi Porro in Dovadola.
His artistic activity was also recognized internationally: a room in the Collection of Contemporary Art at the Vatican Museums is dedicated to his works. After his death, the city of Faenza held an anthological exhibition in 1988, celebrating his artistic production with sculptures and ceramics. Angelo Biancini is considered a fundamental figure in the history of 20th-century Italian ceramic art and sculpture.