L'Angelo della Città, Bronze equestrian statue at Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy.
L'Angelo della Città is a bronze equestrian statue at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice depicting a galloping horse with a rider whose arms are powerfully extended. The work sits near the Canal Grande in the Dorsoduro district and is visible from many viewpoints throughout the museum.
The statue was created in 1948 by Italian sculptor Marino Marini, drawing artistic inspiration from Etruscan art traditions and the works of Arturo Martini. The work emerged during a period of intense artistic renewal in Italy following World War II.
The sculpture depicts a horse with a rider whose outstretched arms create an expressive gesture that catches viewers' attention immediately. This figural work bridges classical equestrian themes with contemporary artistic language that continues to resonate.
The work can be viewed from different angles within the museum space, particularly outdoors where the bronze presentation changes throughout the day. Morning hours offer the best natural lighting to fully appreciate the details and patina of the sculpture.
The bronze horse contains a removable element that Peggy Guggenheim would sometimes take off when particular guests visited the museum. This unusual practice was occasionally employed to manage the reactions of prominent art critics and collectors.
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