Antonio Gai

(b Venice, 3 May 1686; d Venice, 4 June 1769). Italian sculptor. His father, Francesco, was a wood-carver, and Gai qualified as a master wood-carver in 1710. The geometric precision and subtle rhythm of his later work remained indebted to this early training. In 1733 he undertook the execution of the portal of the Loggetta in Venice; this was an important public commission and demonstrates his high local standing, which was confirmed in 1764 when he was elected president of the Venetian Accademia. He was admired by Consul Joseph Smith, who commissioned many works on behalf of English clients. Carl Gustave Tessin recorded in 1736 that these commanded a high price and that Gai was hailed as a new Michelangelo.

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