Alberto Saccardi

ALBERTO SACCARDI (Italy, 1883-1956).
"Woman with greyhound".
Alabaster, bronze and veined black marble (Portor).
Signed on the base.
Measurements: 31,5 x 63,4 x 32,5 cm 4 x 64 x 20 cm (base).
This sculpture represents a young woman reclining next to a greyhound, embodying the elegance and refinement of the Art Deco period. Made of alabaster and patinated bronze, the work captures the modern and refined aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s. It sits on a veined black marble base, which adds visual sophistication and enhances the overall composition.
An outstanding example of Art Deco design, this work celebrates femininity, luxury and fluid movement. The presence of the greyhound, a breed historically associated with aristocracy and high society, further reinforces the themes of refinement and social distinction. The style harmoniously combines realism, visible in the precise anatomical representation, with stylization, especially in the treatment of the dog's folds and patina. The combination of alabaster and bronze is characteristic of Art Deco sculpture, a period in which artists skillfully played with hallmarks of materials to create both decorative and expressive works.
This rare sculpture by Alberto Saccardi perfectly encapsulates the Art Deco vision of feminine grace and the noble companionship between human and animal. It achieves a delicate balance between softness and strength, reflected in the relaxed posture of the woman and the alert attitude of the greyhound.
Alberto Saccardi was an Italian sculptor, born in 1883, renowned for his alabaster sculptures, often depicting elegant female figures and allegorical scenes.While his early works show Art Nouveau influences, especially in the flowing folds and poetic postures, his mature style is clearly Art Deco. His female figures embody the modern woman of the 1920s and 1930s: short hair, elegant but confident bearing, and flowing garments, often accompanied by symbolic elements such as animals.Saccardi died in 1956, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be admired for its contribution to early 20th century Italian sculpture.