Marino Marini (1901-1980) infused new life into Italian sculpture by invoking both antique and Renaissance traditions in his horse-and-rider images. He dwelt upon the equestrian theme throughout his career. Considered a highly original artist, his talents were not limited to sculpture. He was also a prolific painter, as well as a draftsman and graphic artist, whose work is today exhibited worldwide--and in the Marino Marini museum, located in one of the oldest churches in Florence.

Marino Marini was born in Pistoia, Tuscany, on February 27, 1901. His artistic endeavors began early and were intense; in 1917 he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti) in Florence and studied painting and sculpture. Marini's early teachers were Galileo Chini (painting) and Domenico Trentacoste (sculpture).

His first significant sculpture dates from the late 1920s, and from this period Popola (People) (terra cotta, 1929) is the most mature piece; it is essentially...