Publio Morbiducci

Publio Morbiducci was a leading Italian sculptor, medalist and painter in the early and mid-1900s. He was born into a family of ancient artisan tradition. After a self-taught period, the Sicilian settled in Roma, where he completed his training at the Art School for the Design of Medals in Roma and initially specialized in medals and woodcuts. The latter he supplied for years for the “L’Eroica” magazine. In 1923 he won the competition for the two-lira coin. He later produced numerous important commissions such as the Monument to the Bersagliere a Porta Pia (1931).

Between 1924 and 1931, Morbiducci became engaged in public works, despite having been a member of the Socialist Party until 1925. Especially after joining the Fascist party in 1933, he established himself as one of the greatest artists of the Fascist regime, and was one of the protagonists of the exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Fascist Revolution. He also modeled a statue for the Stadio dei Marmi. After World War II, Morbiducci produced mostly smaller sculptures and busts, including a bust of composer Pietro Mascagni, and in 1948 participated in the international competition for the Port of St. Peter. At times, he worked again as a medalist. With the Medal for CONI from 1934, year XIII of the Fascist era as shown on the inscription, he had previously participated in the First National Exhibition for Sports in Art.