Giacomo Manzú was born on December 22, 1908, in Bergamo, Italy. The earliest influence on this sculptor, drawer, and designer was Picasso. Manzú later discovered the works of Rodin. While the Fascists were ruling Italy, Manzú worked for the resistance and joined the Communists. Beginning in the 1950's, two themes identify Manzú's works - on the one hand, he produced pictures of graceful female forms in swaying or dancing poses, and on the other hand, he created numerous drawings and bronze sculptures of strict cardinals in full regalia. Manzú remained committed to the figure representation, always displaying a clear composition of the body. Giacomo Manzú died on January 17, 1991, in Ardea near Rome at the age of 82.