Pietro Canonica, “il Mulo - l'Umile Eroe” (the Mule - The Humble Hero), In Bronze, Signed, 1920

Pietro Canonica, “Il mulo - L'umile Eroe” (The Mule - The Humble Hero), in bronze, signed, 1920s.

Dimensions: H 45 x W 65 x D 26 cm.

Beautiful bronze sculpture by Turin artist Pietro Canonica, depicting a mule described by the artist as a “muletto” (little mule), a faithful and patient companion that rendered many services during the war. On the ground are the signs of combat, broken wheels and shrapnel.

On the mule's pack saddle are a machine gun, an oak branch and an Austrian helmet, symbols of victory.

The artist's signature is on the base.

The work served as a sketch for the large monument in the city of Biella, created in memory of those who fell in the First World War.

THE MULE - “SCUDELA” IN VILLA BORGHESE

In Via Pietro Canonica, inside Villa Borghese, in the Pinciano district, there is a bronze statue depicting a mule. This work was created in 1937 by the sculptor Pietro Canonica, who lived in the building known as “La Fortezzuola” located right where the statue stands and which today houses the Canonica Museum, dedicated to the sculptor's work.

THE ALPINE SOLDIER WITH MULE “THE HUMBLE HERO” OF THE ZUMAGLINI GARDENS (1923)

During the First World War, the black feathers of Biella took part in the bloodiest battles fought in the Alps at prohibitive altitudes.

At the end of the conflict, the city of Biella decided to honor the memory of those who died by creating a monument in the Public Gardens that would immortalize “the sacrifice of the heroes of Biella who fell for their country.”