Signed on the back.

Comparative literature: G. P. Lucini, "Quarta esposizione Triennale di Milano", I, in "Emporium", XII, n° 70,1900, p. 328 (ill.);
G. P. Lucini, "Quarta esposizione Triennale di Milano", II, in "Emporium", XII, n° 71,1900, p. 340;
G. Cartella Gelardi, "Achille Alberti. L'impronta", Turin 1932, pp.161-162;
L. Caramel and C. Pirovano, "Galleria d'Arte Moderna. Opere dell'Ottocento", I, Milan 1975, p. 18, n°21, fig. 22;
A. Oldani in "100 Anni. Scultura a Milano 1815-1915", Milan 2017, n°82, pp. 244 e 245.

"The muscular vigor of the 'Blacksmith' (bronze bust) is combined with the thoughts that stir in the worker's head: he is the craftsman, who, after work, rests not in vain and has, in front of his eyes, which stare bold and far, a vision of happiness to come, a great hope of vindication". Thus Gian Pietro Lucini reviewed in 'Emporium' the bronze of the 'Maniscalco' (also known as 'Strength' or 'Worker'), exhibited for the first time, in a version also including the bust, at the fourth Milanese Triennale in 1900. The bronze was not awarded on that occasion, but a version similar to ours, both in the quality of the casting and in the dimensions, was then acquired in 1926 by GAM of Milan (inv. n°3579).