Giuseppe Volpe commemorated 150 years after death with sculpture exhibition

To mark the 150th anniversary of his death, the Pinacoteca Michele de Napoli in Terlizzi has inaugurated a temporary exhibition dedicated to the sculptor Giuseppe Volpe. The exhibition, curated by Francesco De Nicolo, features works by Volpe and his son Pasquale, including pieces previously held in private collections or removed from public veneration.

Volpe, a prominent 19th-century wood sculptor, trained in Naples under Francesco Verzella before establishing a successful workshop in his hometown of Terlizzi. His work is noted for its emotional impact and ability to bridge Baroque traditions with a devotional purism that resonated with local communities. His sculptures, such as those of the Madonna della Stella and San Michele Arcangelo, played a significant role in the religious imagery of the region.

The exhibition is part of a broader project to create a ‘diffuse museum’ of Volpe’s work through guided thematic tours scheduled throughout October and November. Local historical research has worked to elevate Volpe’s reputation from a mere artisan to a significant artist of the Terra di Bari region.