Biography

Berto Lardera, born Roberto Lardera on December 18, 1911, in La Spezia, Italy, was a prominent Italian sculptor known for his innovative approach to metal sculpture. Growing up in a naval environment, Lardera was largely self-taught, and his work often reflected the industrial and maritime influences of his early life. In 1947, he relocated to Paris, where he became an integral part of the city's vibrant art scene, exhibiting at renowned venues such as the Galerie Denise René and participating in the Salon de Mai and the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles. Lardera's sculptures are characterized by their abstract, geometric forms, often constructed from metal. His early works focused on two-dimensional planes, challenging traditional sculptural concepts of volume and space. Over time, his creations evolved to incorporate more complex, multi-dimensional structures, as seen in his notable series like Miracles, Aubes, and Archanges. Lardera's work is celebrated for its exploration of form and space, and his sculptures can be found in collections across Europe, America, and Japan. Despite producing few prints, his unique technique of using sculpting tools on iron plates resulted in prints that echoed the sculptural quality of his three-dimensional works. Lardera passed away on February 23, 1989, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in modern sculpture.