Riccardo Monachesi's Stone Sculptures Dialogue with Ancient Artifacts at Palazzo delle Pietre

A large window onto Via delle Coppelle invites passersby into 'Pietra plasmata' (Molded Stone), an exhibition at Palazzo delle Pietre in Rome organized by Raffaella Lupi of Galleria Sinopia and Barbara Mazzi Pensieroso of Palazzo delle Pietre. The show presents 34 works by Riccardo Monachesi (Rome, 1977), including the 'Do ut des' series developed during lockdown. His sculptures, such as the 'Pneuma' series (2010–2011), feature openings that make them appear to breathe. The 'Cubi' collection (2003–2018) displays softened, folded angles. Works created jointly with Elisa Montessori (2009–2013), acquired by the Galleria Nazionale and housed at the Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi, show balanced collaboration. The exhibition also juxtaposes Monachesi's contemporary stone with ancient pieces from Carlo Mazzi's private collection, spanning the Roman Imperial period (1st century BCE–3rd century CE), Romanesque, and Renaissance. Barbara Mazzi Pensieroso stated the show reflects the spirit of creating a place where material meets knowledge, promoting local excellence and the culture of beauty.