Riccardo, art and faith

The future Blessed Riccardo Granzotto was born on August 23, 1900 in Santa Lucia di Piave (TV) and died at the age of only 47 due to a brain tumour. From an early age he stood out for his love of drawing which led him to become an appreciated sculptor specialized in sacred art, instinctively chosen because of a deep faith lived in everyday life. His youth had been that of a large but poor family. From the age of nine onwards, for him there is only work and then military service. Fortunately, the family are convinced of his artistic qualities and allow him to attend evening classes and finally the Academy in Venice. At the age of 30 he graduated as a sculptor and worked in the studio of the Superintendent of Fine Arts in Palazzo Ducale. Requests for sacred works for churches begin. Meanwhile, the government is holding a competition for artists to adorn the Foro Mussolini, the future Foro Italico, with statues.

Riccardo Granzotto creates a valuable work depicting the province of Treviso, winning the first prize, but is expelled as he is not a member of the fascist party.
Following this he enters an existential crisis, which he will also resolve through the meeting with the Franciscan fathers who preach in his parish. Gradually Riccardo will be able to combine art and faith, choosing to become a friar, taking the name of Fra Claudio. He has decided: he will make his art a special bond with that Jesus whom he loves so much and whom he has depicted in so many sculptures.


Annamaria Gobbato
NP March 2023