Rare Italian Futurist Bronze Of A Motorcycle In Motion

Motorcycle in Motion – Futurist Bronze, 1910s–1920

Gild bronze on wood base.
Circa 1910. Probably italian
Unsigned.
40cm 16cm 22cm high.

This rare bronze sculpture from the 1910s or 1920s depicts a motorcycle in motion — an exceptionally uncommon subject in sculpture of the time. Beyond its rarity, the piece is firmly rooted in the spirit of Italian Futurism, the avant-garde movement that emerged in the early 20th century to celebrate speed, dynamism, and the mechanical age.

With angular forms, sweeping curves, and a dynamic sense of propulsion, the sculpture conveys not just the appearance but the sensation of movement and mechanical energy. Its rhythm and structure echo the aesthetic of Futurist painting, and particularly recall the treatment of similar themes in the works of Ugo Gianattasio and Mario Sironi, who likewise explored modern machinery and urban motion through fragmented form and kinetic tension.

Futurist bronzes are extremely rare on the market, due to their experimental nature and limited production. This piece stands out not only for its subject — the motorcycle, a powerful symbol of modernity and freedom — but also for its deep resonance with one of the most revolutionary artistic movements of the 20th century. A truly exceptional work, combining historical importance with striking visual impact.