Mannenbuste met putti in de Santa Maria presso di San Satiro te Milaan c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph by Edizione Brogi captures a sculptural detail within the Santa Maria presso di San Satiro in Milan. It depicts a sculpted male bust surrounded by putti, or cherubic figures, all rendered in what appears to be plaster or stucco. The image reveals an artisanal process rooted in centuries of tradition. Sculpting the original artwork from plaster involved skilled labor, likely undertaken by artisans well-versed in classical techniques. The creation of molds, the careful casting, and the addition of fine detail speak to a deep understanding of the material’s potential. It's a testament to the era's reverence for classical aesthetics and artisanal practices. What's interesting is how this image freezes in time not just the object, but also the labor that went into its making. Photography, itself a process-intensive medium, here captures the handiwork of sculpting, offering a peek into Milan’s historical material culture. In doing so, it prompts us to value all forms of creativity, regardless of their conventional status.