ENEA
ENEA began as an instinctive exploration of the eagle figure and its archetypal significance. It was not developed from a predetermined plan: the work started with the eye, and from there, the figure progressively took shape—through the head, the body, and finally the wings, built feather by feather.
The goal is not absolute anatomical realism, but a realism of perception: not merely reproducing an eagle, but conveying what the eagle represents in the collective imagination. Pride, power, menace, upward tension. The form thus seeks to be faithful not only to the animal, but above all to the sensation its archetype is capable of generating.
Yet, ENEA is chained.
It possesses wings, talons, and strength, but cannot take flight. The constraint, however, does not make it docile or defeated. It remains proud, vigilant, almost menacing in its defense of the small space it is granted. It looks at the observer without fear: its power is limited, not nullified.
The work stems precisely from this contradiction: possessing strength, ability, or aspiration is not enough to be free to express them. Sometimes, even that which was born to fly may find itself grounded.
The title adds a personal meaning to the work. Just as Aeneas carries his father Anchises on his shoulders, I imagined this eagle as something capable, symbolically, of carrying me: a work to which I entrust the possibility of a new artistic flight.
The paradox is that the one performing this gesture is a chained eagle.
ENEA was my first true sculptural work and, at the same time, has become one of the most complex and representative realizations of my journey.
Technique and execution
Life-size eagle sculpture, entirely handmade using wrought iron and mixed techniques.
Each feather was individually constructed and worked. The piece features no opaque paint: the iron remains visible and is protected solely by a transparent finish, so as to preserve its material character.
Wingspan: approximately 180 cm
Figure height: approximately 80 cm, from head to talons
Base support: approximately 40 cm
Execution time: over 300 hours of work
ENEA was exhibited by the Municipality of Stia for the World Wrought Iron Championship.
