the collector's folio

Medardo Rosso Most Popular Paintings

The 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 19 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Medardo Rosso · 1858 – 1928

The Lady with the Veil

Ca' Pesaro - International Gallery of Modern Art, Venice

Medardo Rosso's 'The Lady with the Veil' (1895) captures a fleeting moment of urban life through evocative wax and plaster sculpture, showcasing his pioneering approach to modern art.

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This evocative bronze bust by Medardo Rosso captures the realistic yet impressionistic essence of industrialist Henri Rouart through masterful texture and light, offering a timeless piece for your private collection.

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The Golden Age

1887 · Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas

Medardo Rosso’s ‘The Golden Age,’ created in 1886–87, exemplifies the artist’s pioneering approach to sculptural representation. Crafted from wax over plaster, this evocative piece embodies the spirit of Impressionism through its delicate modeling and subtle interplay of light and shadow—a testament to Rosso's enduring legacy.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Ecce Puer (Behold the Child)

1906 · Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Experience Medardo Rosso's Impressionistic bronze sculpture, Ecce Puer, capturing fleeting life with raw texture; discover this modern masterpiece today.

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Bambino ebreo (Hebrew Boy)

Museum Folkwang, Essen

Explore Medardo Rosso's haunting 'Bambino ebreo,' a poignant wax sculpture capturing a child’s vulnerability and the complexities of identity, created around 1892-1894.

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Behold the Child

1906 · Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas

Discover Medardo Rosso's captivating 1906 sculpture blending human and animal forms, a touchstone of modernism; explore this unique masterpiece today.

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Ecce puer

Ca' Pesaro - International Gallery of Modern Art, Venice

This 1906 bronze portrait by Medardo Rosso captures a fleeting, soulful moment. Explore this Impressionistic masterpiece today.

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Madame X

Ca' Pesaro - International Gallery of Modern Art, Venice

Explore Medardo Rosso's revolutionary sculpture & photography! This exhibition showcases his pioneering work alongside modern masters, revealing a unique artistic vision.

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The Bookmaker

1894 · MOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City

Capture the quiet contemplation of Medardo Rosso's Impressionist sculpture, The Bookmaker; explore this masterful study of form and fleeting moments today.

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Aetas aurea

Galleria Civica di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Torino, Turin · original 45 x 45 cm

Discover 'Aetas Aurea' by Medardo Rosso: a poignant wax sculpture capturing a mother and child with fluid forms & evocative light, showcasing Post-Impressionism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20845 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Rouart, (1890)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Joods jongetje, (2) (1892)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Ragamuffin

1883 · Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

L11007 185 lr

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The Concierge

1883 · Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Milan

Discover Medardo Rosso’s ‘The Concierge,’ a rough-hewn bronze sculpture capturing a fleeting moment. Explore Post-Impressionism & its innovative approach to form & light.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Joods jongetje, (1892)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Bookmaker

original 43 x 48 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20943 × 48 cm Commission at original size

L'enfant au soleil, vers (2) (1892)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

L'enfant au soleil, vers (1892)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 19 artworks by Medardo Rosso
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Medardo Rosso

1858 – 1928

Quick facts

NationalityItaly
Creative periodsmature period
Emotional tonereflective
Typical colorsespresso
Lifespan70 years
Works on APS19
Vibeserene
Topics exploredsculpture, impressionism

Biography

A Pioneer of Impressionistic Sculpture: The Life and Art of Medardo Rosso

Medardo Rosso, born in Turin, Italy, on June 21, 1858, was a sculptor who dared to challenge the very foundations of his art form. He wasn’t merely shaping stone or bronze; he was attempting to capture fleeting moments, the ephemeral play of light and shadow, and the psychological depth of his subjects in three dimensions – an ambition that set him apart from his contemporaries and established him as a pivotal figure in the transition from traditional sculpture to modernism. His early life foreshadowed this rebellious spirit. A move to Milan with his family at age twelve was followed by a brief military service before enrolling, and swiftly being expelled from, the Brera Academy for advocating radical changes to drawing classes – specifically, the use of live models and anatomical studies rather than conventional methods. This expulsion wasn’t a setback but a declaration of independence, signaling his refusal to conform to established artistic norms.

From Realism to Fleeting Impressions

Rosso's artistic journey began with realist influences, evident in early works like The Hooligan (1882) and Kiss Under the Lamppost (1882). However, a profound shift occurred after 1882, as he encountered Impressionism. This encounter wasn’t about replicating brushstrokes in clay; it was about absorbing the core philosophy of capturing momentary sensations. Sculptures like Portinaia (Concierge) (1883-84) and Carne altrui (Flesh of Others) (1883-84) demonstrate this evolution, showcasing a move towards sketchy modeling, flattened planes, and a deliberate softening of detail. He wasn’t interested in precise representation but rather in evoking an impression – a feeling. This approach was revolutionary for sculpture, traditionally focused on permanence and meticulous craftsmanship. Rosso's unique technique further amplified this effect; he rarely created preparatory drawings, preferring to work directly with clay, building up forms intuitively. These clay models were then cast in bronze, plaster, or wax, and crucially, he often retained the imperfections inherent in the casting process, valuing their visual impact as integral parts of the artwork.

A Unique Process and Influential Connections

Central to Rosso’s artistic vision was his fascination with light. He wasn't simply illuminating his sculptures; he was designing them *to be* illuminated, understanding how light would interact with their rough surfaces and create a dynamic interplay of shadow and form. This focus on capturing fleeting impressions demanded an unconventional approach to materials and technique. His process involved creating plaster models from clay, then casting them in various mediums, often leaving traces of the molding process visible – a deliberate rejection of polished perfection. His work garnered attention from influential figures like Émile Zola, who recognized the innovative spirit within his sculptures. A significant commission came from Ludwig Mond for Ecce Puer (1906), a poignant depiction of a mother and child that exemplifies Rosso’s ability to convey emotion through subtle modeling and evocative light. While influenced by Impressionism and initially admiring Auguste Rodin, their relationship later became strained due to disputes over originality and artistic direction.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Medardo Rosso's influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. He is considered a key figure in the development of Post-Impressionism and a pioneer in modern sculpture, challenging traditional practices with his emphasis on spontaneity, psychological depth, and the ephemeral nature of perception. His innovative approach resonated particularly with the Futurists, especially Umberto Boccioni, who saw in Rosso’s work a precursor to their own exploration of movement and dynamism. After World War I, Rosso returned to Italy but faced bureaucratic hurdles due to his French citizenship. Despite these challenges, he continued to create art, receiving recognition from figures like Margherita Sarfatti. He passed away on March 31, 1928, in Milan, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences today. Rosso’s sculptures are not merely objects; they are invitations to experience the world through a new lens – one that embraces impermanence, celebrates imperfection, and seeks to capture the elusive beauty of fleeting moments.

Major Works

The Hooligan (1882)
Kiss Under the Lamppost (1882)
Portinaia (Concierge) (1883–84)
Carne altrui (Flesh of Others) (1883–84)
Ecce Puer (1906)
Aetas Aurea

Questions & Answers

In which movements did Medardo Rosso work?

Medardo Rosso's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

Where are Medardo Rosso's artworks grouped by technique?

To find all works by Medardo Rosso in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

How popular are Medardo Rosso's artworks?

The Stats page of Medardo Rosso presents statistics computed from the artist's artworks listed on this website.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

In what city was Medardo Rosso born?
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