Affortunato Gory

Affortunato Gory, an Italian-French sculptor, was renowned for his mastery of Art Deco figurative sculpture, a style characterized by bold forms, geometric patterns, and the celebration of modernity. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1895, Gory was initially trained at the Accademia di Belle Arti under the guidance of Augusto Rivalta, a pivotal figure in his early development. By the turn of the century, Gory moved to Paris, where he continued his artistic education under the tutelage of the distinguished French sculptor Victorien-Antoine Bastet.

Gory’s artistic journey was marked by his frequent exhibitions at prestigious events, most notably the Salon des Artistes Français, where he showcased his works from 1902 onwards, making multiple appearances throughout the early decades of the 20th century. His early work was heavily influenced by the neoclassical tradition, as evidenced by his delicate, small-scale sculptures of nudes, which he produced in large numbers. These early pieces often explored the idealized form, a hallmark of his meticulous craftsmanship.

In his later years, Gory’s style evolved towards the graceful forms of Art Nouveau, transitioning from smaller sculptures to life-sized busts and figures of women. His pieces often combined materials such as marble, alabaster, bronze, and ivory, showcasing his chryselephantine technique—an exquisite blend of bronze and ivory that brought his figures to life. His most famous works in this period were monumental representations of female figures, often draped in dramatic bronze and adorned with flowing headpieces.

One of Gory’s most notable sculptures is his interpretation of Salome, inspired by the famous dancer Maud Allan, who performed the role of the Jewish princess Salome in the early 20th century. In this piece, Gory combined his trademark elegance with the dramatic narrative of Salome’s request for the head of Saint John the Baptist, a theme popularized by artists and writers such as Pierre Bonnard, Victor Hugo, and Oscar Wilde.

Despite his untimely death in 1925 at the age of 30, Gory left a lasting legacy as one of the most talented sculptors of his generation, celebrated for his emotive depictions of the female form and his innovative use of mixed materials. His works continue to inspire collectors and art enthusiasts, cementing his place in the annals of early 20th-century sculpture.