Sassari: Exhibition of military figurines by Augusto Pranzetti, from 4th to 8th November

From Monday 4th to Friday 8th November the Municipal Historical Archive will put in exhibition, from 9.00 to 13.00, the collection of military figurines of Augusto Pranzetti and some documents relating to the construction of a monumental tomb which was supposed to host the remains of the Sassarese fallen during the First World War (remains that were later placed in the National Military Shrines, built in the 30s).

The exhibition is part of the celebrations organized in the city on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day, the Day of National Unity and in which the Fallen of all wars are remembered.

Augusto Pranzetti in 1951 created for the Municipality of Sassari the historical series of 54 figurines of the Italian army reproducing the uniforms of the Italian armed forces from the 700th century to the contemporary age, with particular reference to Sardinian "specialities" and corps.

Son of a mounted Carabinieri officer, Augusto Pranzetti showed strong curiosity and commitment to modelling since he was a child, and in particular to the reconstruction of the world of toy soldiers on foot and on horseback. A passion that will accompany him throughout his life, before and after graduating in law and then throughout his working career in banking in Rome and Sardinia, the land where he will put down roots.

He devotes his free time to cultivating the study of the political and military history of various European states, with particular attention to military uniforms. Over time, his passion transformed into a real work commitment, when his works began to be known and appreciated in Italy and abroad. Towards the end of his career he began an artistic collaboration with the fashion designer Luciano Antonini, a member of one of the most prestigious and oldest Italian fashion costume production houses.