Raffaelle Monti


Raffaele Monti was an Italian sculptor, author and poet born in Milan. He studied under his father, the noted sculptor Gaetano Matteo Monti in the Imperial Academy. He was invited to Vienna while aged only 20 where he received extensive patronage, he subsequently returned to Milan in 1840. In 1846 Monti travelled to England for the year, and later settled there.
Monti exhibited at the Royal Academy, and soon earned recognition as a leading sculptor with his piece for the 6th Duke of Devonshire, the "Veiled Vestal" a figure with illusionistic veil, a specialism of his. A bust based on this work, cast in Parian porcelain by Copeland titled "The Bride", but often known as "The Veiled Bride", was issued in 1861 by the Crystal Palace Art Union. This bust became one of the most popular Parian busts ever produced.
Monti produced sculptures working in marble, but he also created in metals and porcelain, while he remained active in the applied arts.

Works