The work “Crocodile Obelisk” by Girolamo Ciulla represents a perfect synthesis of mythology, nature, and architecture. Carved in travertine, a material particularly favoured by the artist, the sculpture features a powerful crocodile positioned atop a vertical column. The contrast between the essential geometry of the obelisk and the organic form of the animal creates a harmonious balance while conveying a strong sense of archaic symbolism.
Born in Caltanissetta in 1952, Girolamo Ciulla is recognised as one of the leading contemporary Italian sculptors. His artistic language is rooted in a constant dialogue with antiquity, reinterpreting myths and classical figures through a contemporary sensibility. His works evoke a suspended dimension in which memory and material engage in a poetic conversation.
Furthermore, “Crocodile Obelisk” embodies the tension between the sacred and the earthly, between the weight of stone and the vitality of living forms. The crocodile, a symbolic creature associated with strength and renewal, appears to stand watch over the obelisk like a silent guardian. In this way, Ciulla transforms a natural element into a sculptural icon, capable of uniting the primordial energy of life with the monumentality of classical art.
Ultimately, the work reflects the artist’s poetic vision: a world in which mythology, sculpture, and spirituality coexist in an enduring dialogue with matter.
Description: Travertine, obelisk resting on a square iron base, signed at the top, H cm 212.
Hammer Price: € 3.750,00
Auction 83 – May 7th 2025 – Modern and Contemporary Art
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