Demetrio Carusi

DEMETRIO CARUSI (Italy, 1822-1922).
"Night", 1872.
White carrara marble.
Signed and dated.
Measurements: 108 x 40 cm.
This work is inscribed in the context of late neoclassicism and academicism, periods in which allegorical sculpture achieved great popularity in Italy and Europe. Carusi, faithful to these principles, knew how to combine the classical ideal with a poetic sensibility, consolidating himself as a reference in Italian sculpture of his generation.
The work presents a nude female figure, elegantly represented in a serene and restrained pose, with her right arm raised holding a veil that falls in deep and naturalistic folds. The delicate modeling of the face and the softness in the treatment of the anatomy reflect a remarkable technical skill and aesthetic refinement characteristic of the sculptor. The motif of the veil and the bouquet of flowers she holds suggest a symbolism linked to the mystery and silence of the night, in line with nineteenth-century allegorical conventions.
The choice of Carrara marble underlines the quality and nobility of the piece, which stands out for its fine polish and the contrasting textures between the skin and the fabrics. The composition harmoniously balances the dynamism of the gesture with the introspective stillness of the figure, configuring an evocative and deeply symbolic image.
Demetrio Carusi (Italy, 1822-1922) was an Italian sculptor whose work is framed within the academicism of the nineteenth century, characterized by a refined technique and a strong attachment to the classical tradition. His sculpture Night (1872), made in white Carrara marble, exemplifies his mastery in the idealized representation of allegorical figures, a recurring theme in the artistic production of his time.