Scuola Di Valgardena Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Val Gardena is characterized not only by its spectacular Dolomite panorama, but also by the uniqueness of the artistic tradition of wood. For centuries, the masterly craftsmanship of wooden sculpture has always been alive, from the 17th century to the present day. Read the full biography

Val Gardena is characterized not only by its spectacular Dolomite panorama, but also by the uniqueness of the artistic tradition of wood. For centuries, the masterly craftsmanship of wooden sculpture has always been alive, from the 17th century to the present day. Due to the poverty of the local population, the inhabitants found themselves forced to learn a new trade to supplement the modest income obtained from the land. The first wood craftsmen specialized in the creation of wooden frames and cases for pendulum clocks. However, soon the residents of Val Gardena dedicated themselves to more ambitious and refined projects. This is how a particular branch of wood carving dedicated to sacred art was born, which includes the creation of crosses, sacred images, nativity characters, Stations of the Cross, Madonnas, angels and so on, alongside works of modern and profane art. In 1872 an art school was founded where young people from Val Gardena were taught the techniques of carving, working and coloring wood. The tools used were chisels and mallets. Today, it is estimated that a thousand residents of Val Gardena work in the wood sector and toys are among the most produced objects. Each work is then certified by the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce, thus obtaining a quality mark that increases its commercial value.