Mario Ceroli. Myth and Matter: retrospective at Tornabuoni Arte in

Mario Ceroli. Myth and Matter — Tornabuoni Arte, Florence

Mario Ceroli. Myth and Matter is a retrospective on view at Tornabuoni Arte in Florence, gathering forty pieces including sculptures, installations and the artist's well-known wooden silhouettes. The exhibition surveys Ceroli's work from the 1960s through 2000, highlighting his sustained use of wood and natural materials.

• Period: 11 March — 29 May 2026
• Venue: Tornabuoni Arte, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 3, Florence
• Works on display: 40 sculptures and installations, featuring emblematic pieces such as Squilibrio (1988), wooden panels inspired by the Riace Bronzes, and the sculptures Le talebane (2002).

The selection emphasizes recurring themes in Ceroli's practice: engagement with classical tradition, mythic subjects and the reworking of sculpture through simple materials and pared-down forms. Some works employ Russian pine and vegetal elements—branches, straw and ears of grain—to reinforce ties to nature and agricultural rites.

Highlighted works

• Squilibrio (1988) — a reduced bronze version inspired by Leonardo's Vitruvian Man.
• Interno tempio (I Bronzi di Riace) (1981) and Ritratto di guerriero (1981) — wooden-panel works referencing classical models.
• Le talebane (2002) — two roughly two-metre wooden figures that combine political cues with Eastern references.
• Gloria eterna ai caduti per la pittura (1972) — a monumental wooden and bronze retablo incorporating inscribed names with ironic intent.
• Eleusi (1979) — an installation evoking the Eleusinian mysteries and the natural cycle.

The exhibition provides a coherent overview of Ceroli's poetics, from plastic experimentation to dialogues with Arte Povera, while preserving his distinct voice. This is the gallery's first comprehensive retrospective in Italy that maps the key stages of his career.

Practical information: the show runs from 11/03/2026 to 29/05/2026. For opening hours, tickets and guided visits, contact the gallery directly.