Bozzetto for the Monument in Venice to Carlo Goldoni 1884

Antonio dal Zotto created this bronze statue, "Bozzetto for the Monument in Venice to Carlo Goldoni", as a study for a public monument honoring the famous Italian playwright, Carlo Goldoni. Goldoni, who lived in the 18th century, is celebrated for reforming the Commedia dell’arte, injecting it with more realism and relatable characters, which mirrors the shifting social dynamics of his time. Dal Zotto’s sculpture captures Goldoni in the attire of the Venetian upper class, complete with a powdered wig and formal coat. This representation is not just a depiction of an individual, but an embodiment of the values and aesthetics of a specific social stratum. The statue reflects a time when Venice was a center of cultural and intellectual life, even as its political power waned. Goldoni’s plays often explored themes of social mobility and class relations, resonating with the changing dynamics of Venetian society. The statue, intended for public display, suggests how society chooses to immortalize its heroes and the values they represent. Consider how public monuments shape our collective memory. What does it mean to honor a playwright who, through his work, engaged with and reflected the complexities of his society?