Massimiliano Soldani Benzi - Andromeda and the Sea-Monster; Leda and the Swan

Born in Florence, Soldani Benzi was a student of Giovanni Battista Foggini and worked in his workshop before setting up his own studio. He became known for his skill in creating bronze sculptures, which were highly prized by collectors and patrons of the arts. Soldani Benzi's works are characterised by their intricate detail and realistic depiction of the human figure. He often drew inspiration from classical mythology and biblical stories, as well as contemporary events and people. Some of his most famous works include the bronze statue of St John the Baptist in the church of San Giovanni Battista in Florence, the bust of Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici and the bronze group The Rape of Proserpina. Soldani Benzi was also a prolific writer and art historian, publishing several treatises on sculpture and collecting. He died in Florence in 1740, leaving a legacy as one of the most important sculptors of the Italian Baroque.