GAI, Antonio

(b. 1686 Venezia, d. 1769 Venezia)

Italian sculptor. His father, Francesco, was a wood-carver, and Gai qualified as a master wood-carver in 1710. The geometric precision and subtle rhythm of his later work remained indebted to this early training. In 1733 he undertook the execution of the portal of the Loggetta in Venice; this was an important public commission and demonstrates his high local standing, which was confirmed in 1764 when he was elected president of the Venetian Accademia.

He was admired by Consul Joseph Smith, who commissioned many works on behalf of English clients. Carl Gustave Tessin recorded in 1736 that these commanded a high price and that Gai was hailed as a new Michelangelo.

Gate of the Loggetta (detail)

Antonio Gai was endowed with a versatile and professional temperament. This is evident in a commission by the State - which by definition reflects the level of prestige Gai enjoyed - a bronze gate to the Loggetta of the Campanile of San Marco which, as the inscription dated 1734 over the right-hand door tells us, he did together with his sons. Both in its totality and in its exquisite detail, the gate demonstrates the value of his woodcarving experience.

In the background of this photo, the Palazzo Ducale can be seen.

Send Postcard Learn More

St Mark

This statue is on the high altar of the church of Santa Maria della Pietà (called La Pietà). In this statue the play of the folds tends to assume a geometricising pattern that underlines the movement of the figure.

Send Postcard Learn More