Francesco Fanelli
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Francesco Fanelli (c. 1577-c. 1661) was a Genoese-born sculptor who became one of the first Italian bronze sculptors to work in England, serving King Charles I. He moved to London around 1632 and was appointed the king's sculptor. His small bronzes of horses, equestrian figures, and mythological subjects introduced Italian Baroque style to the English court.
Fanelli's equestrian statuettes are particularly admired for their dynamic movement and fine surface detail. After the English Civil War disrupted court patronage, he likely returned to the Continent. His small bronzes are now rare and highly sought by collectors of early English sculpture.
Sculptures by Francesco Fanelli
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Museums with Francesco Fanelli's Work
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About Francesco Fanelli
Fanelli was one of the first Italian bronze sculptors to work in England, serving Charles I. His equestrian statuettes and small mythological bronzes introduced Italian Baroque sculpture to the English court.
Works are at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Wallace Collection. The Royal Collection holds pieces from his time as sculptor to Charles I.
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