Joseph Coletti

Summary

Joseph Arthur Coletti (November 5, 1898 – May 5, 1973) was an Italian-born American sculptor.

Joseph A. Coletti
A fully black and white photo of Joseph Coletti
Coletti's passport picture (1923)
BornNovember 5, 1898
San Donato, Italy
DiedMay 5, 1973 (aged 74)
EducationHarvard University
OccupationSculptor
SpouseMirian Kerruish Whitney
Children2 daughters

Life edit

Coletti was born in San Donato, Italy, on November 5, 1898.[1] He was brought to the United States by his parents when he was two years old,[2] and he was educated in public school in Quincy, Massachusetts. He then studied at the Massachusetts Art School before attending Harvard University from which he graduated in 1923. The University awarded him a fellowship to travel and study in Europe and this was followed by two years study at the American Academy in Rome. Returning to America he studied with and assisted John Singer Sargent in his work on the Boston Public Library ceilings.[3]

This work led Coletti into the field of architectural sculpture where much of his life’s work was done.[4] He was also an accomplished medalist, creating works for Harvard University. In 1963 he created the 68th issue of the Society of Medalists, Glory of God/Great Frigate Bird. He also produced numerous public portrait statues.

Coletti was a member of the National Sculpture Society and contributed several articles on sculpture for the Encyclopedia Britannica.[3]

Coletti married Miriam Kerruish Whitney, and he had two daughters.[2] He resided in Back Bay, Boston, where he died on May 5, 1973.[2][5]

Work edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Joseph A. Coletti". medallicartcollector.com. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Sculptor Joseph Coletti Dies at 74". The Palm Beach Post. May 8, 1973. p. 26. Retrieved September 26, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Proske, Beatrice Gilman, Brookgreen Gardens Sculpture, Brookgreen Gardens, 1968, 437-438
  4. ^ Field Guide to Architectural Sculpture in the United States, Kvaran & Loclkey 2007-2020
  5. ^ Opitz, Glenn B, Editor, Mantle Fielding's Dictionary of American Painters, Sculptors & Engravers, Apollo Book, Poughkeepsie NY, 1986 p. 166
  6. ^ Coletti, Joseph, The Sculpture of Joseph Coletti, introduction by Alan Priest, The Macmillian Company, New York, 1968 plates 101-113
  7. ^ "Eighty-Fourth: Annual Report of the Dante Society of America". Dante Studies, with the Annual Report of the Dante Society (84): 129. 1966. ISSN 0070-2862. At the 81st Annual Meeting, in 1963, Mr. Joseph Coletti graciously offered the design of a Dante medal as his personal contribution toward the Dante celebration. It is a pleasure to report that Mr. Coletti completed work on the design of the bronze medal and turned over to the Society in the summer of 1965 the dies and the copies of the medal already completed.