The Reading Girl (La Leggitrice) c. 1856 - 1861

"The Reading Girl" (La Leggitrice) is a marble sculpture by Italian artist Pietro Magni, created between 1856 and 1861. The sculpture depicts a young woman seated, deeply absorbed in a book. The figure is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing Magni's skill in capturing the delicate folds of fabric and the subtle expressions of the face. The serene pose and the thoughtful expression evoke a sense of tranquility and intellectual pursuit, characteristic of Neoclassical art, a movement that influenced Magni's work. The sculpture's realism and emotional depth make it a captivating and timeless representation of the act of reading.