Pietrasanta has several “botteghe” of highly professional sculptors (clay modellers) and enlargers.
At the outset both trades originated as support for the marble studios and bronze foundries, since the two trades share the pursuit of producing well made models. Often, the task of these craftsmen is that of helping artists to enlarge their works, providing their technical skills so that the artist is free to create. The sculptors prepare the armatures, producing a good draft of the work and finally helping out with the final finish: this last stage however is entirely up to the artist, who customises it according to his own style and vision.
Their sensitivity and love for their job make these craftsmen not just helpers, but artists in their own right, as they create portraits and can execute monumental works, on commission from architects and designers, many times based on an idea which is often only a drawing.
Their able hands also make capitals and friezes, for later realization in marble, bronze or plaster. They are also able to reproduce classical works with an incredible faithfulness, and are thus indispensable aids for the preservation of cultural assets.
Copies of these works exist all around the world, and many of them are the result of the ability, the patience and the care with which these craftsmen work every day.