Arnaldo Pomodoro, the internationally acclaimed sculptor whose monumental spheres have graced global landmarks, passed away on June 23, 2025 — just one day before his 99th birthday. His death was confirmed by his niece, Carlotta Montebello, director general of the Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation in Milan.
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Pomodoro’s death marks the end of an era in postwar European art, where he was among a pioneering generation that transformed global perceptions of sculpture.
From Engineer to World-Renowned Sculptor
Born in 1926, Pomodoro initially trained as an engineer and goldsmith. A self-taught artist, he merged precision with imagination, creating powerful bronze works that explored themes of beauty, chaos, and internal complexity.
He became globally known for his polished bronze spheres — seemingly flawless on the outside but fractured open to reveal intricate mechanical-like cores. These sculptures became symbolic of a world struggling with the aftermath of war, technological advancement, and existential introspection.
Iconic Sculptures in Prominent Locations
Pomodoro’s work can be found in some of the most recognized public spaces across the globe, including:
- United Nations Headquarters, New York
- Vatican City, Rome
- Trinity College, Dublin
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.
In Milan, he created the awe-inspiring “Entrance to the Labyrinth,” a sprawling underground maze with cuneiform-styled engravings. His controversial fiberglass crucifix in Milwaukee’s Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist also drew significant attention.
Another major work, the striking bronze “Disco”, remains a Milan landmark.
A Voice of the Postwar Generation
Glenn D. Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, once described Pomodoro as “one of a number of important European artists to emerge from the aftermath of the Second World War.” According to Lowry, Pomodoro’s spheres were admired for how they resonated with broader postwar Expressionist movements.
His art was not only aesthetically powerful but emotionally and historically reflective — a response to nuclear anxieties, Holocaust trauma, and socio-economic upheaval.
International Recognition and Career Milestones
Pomodoro’s career took off in the 1960s, highlighted by numerous awards and exhibitions:
- 1963: Won the International Prize for Sculpture at the São Paulo Biennale
- 1964: Received the National Prize for Sculpture at the Venice Biennale
- 1965: Featured in major solo exhibitions at the Marlborough Gallery in Rome and New York
- Also appeared in Time magazine, further cementing his international reputation
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy in Bronze
Arnaldo Pomodoro’s art lives on in cities and institutions around the world. His spheres — smooth yet fractured — are more than sculptures; they are philosophical statements about the hidden complexities of the modern world. As the art world mourns his passing, his influence will continue to shape the visual and emotional language of contemporary sculpture.