Luigi Frullini, born in 1839, was a prominent Italian artist, often called the "Donatello of wood carvers." Born in Florence, he was trained by his father, Agostino, a skilled wood carver. Frullini later became a professor at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts.
Known for his virtuoso Renaissance revival carvings, Luigi Frullini combined naturalism and fantasy in his work. His mastery of the Italian Renaissance style, attention to detail, and exquisite renderings of nature earned him recognition and accolades. Frullini was awarded the French Légion d'Honneur and the Italian Cross of the Knights of the Crown.
In Italy's neo-Renaissance movement, Frullini admired Michelangelo and played a significant role in reviving the Florentine art of wood carving. His success was evident at various international exhibitions, including the Universal Exhibitions of 1862 in London, 1867 and 1878 in Paris, 1873 in Vienna, and 1876 in Philadelphia.
Frullini's reputation grew, leading to numerous commissions from notable figures such as Baron Rothschild (Vienna), the Italian royal family, the Court of England, the Russian nobility, and wealthy Anglo-Saxon collectors. His work extended to the United States, where he became the preferred artisan for fine wood furnishings and sculptural decoration. Frullini's pieces adorned the interiors of prestigious locations, including the Newport mansion Chateau Sur Mer.
Despite his passing in 1897, Luigi Frullini's legacy endures through his significant contributions to the Italian Renaissance style and his impact on wood carving.