Did you know Mechanics’ Institute is home to a collection of art, including oil paintings, photography, a stunning mural, and sculpture by significant and historically significant artists?
In this installment, we’ll discuss the statue of Dante, the renowned Italian poet and philosopher, by Giovanni Dupré, which lives on the 2nd Floor of our Library. This gentle and proud depiction of Dante was sculpted in marble and is dated 1845. It was donated to the Mechanics’ Institute by Lewis Mansfield in 1966 and has stood in our Library for nearly 60 years.
Giovanni Dupré (1817-1882) was a sculptor born in Florence. Dupré displayed a natural talent for art from a young age, carving models of Renaissance sculptures in his father’s carving workshop. He studied under the celebrated sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini and quickly established himself as a leading figure in the Florentine artistic scene. Dupré's work was characterized by its expressive Neoclassical style, often depicting religious and mythological subjects. His most famous work may be his dramatic depiction of Pietà (1860-1865) for the family tomb of the marchese Bichi-Ruspoli in Misericordia, Siena. Dupré's sculptures were admired for their technical skill, academicism, and naturalistic details. He was a prolific artist who produced numerous works throughout his career, some housed at your favorite membership libraries!
Did you know that our sister library, the Boston Athenaeum, has a statue of Dante that is similar? Theirs is made of plaster and has the same dimensions.
So next time you’re on the 2nd Floor of the Library, come visit our statue of Dante and appreciate the artistry and history behind this remarkable piece.
