This travertine figurine by Fratelli Manelli, crafted in Italy in the 1970s, is a monolithic sculpture depicting an abstract elephant. It is carved from a single block of natural stone in a warm, light beige hue with subtle yellow undertones, characteristic of travertine. The surface is matte, with visible natural pores and slight irregularities, emphasizing the organic quality of the material. The minimalist design employs stylized, geometric lines: a circular indentation suggests the ear, a small drilled hole marks the eye, and a vertical groove indicates the trunk. The form is compact, with harmonious proportions, and entirely free of additional ornamentation—the visual focus rests on the natural pattern and texture of the stone. The piece is preserved in excellent condition, with no signs of damage or repair and a consistent patina typical of well-maintained vintage travertine.
This object carries the tone of Italian 1970s modernism: simplicity of form is intertwined with reverence for natural material. The elephant, stripped of figurative detail, tells a story of an era that valued honest craftsmanship and refined proportions. The stone itself bears the traces of geological time, while light playing across its pores and matte surfaces evokes the atmosphere of southern sunlight and serene, minimalist interiors.
The figurine would work well as an accent on a console, bookshelf, or coffee table in a living room styled in mid-century modern, Italian modernist, or eclectic collector’s fashion. It could be paired with natural wood, glass, or simple ceramics to highlight its sculptural presence. Combining it with a neutral color palette and subtly textured textiles would allow the interplay of light and shadow on the stone to fully unfold.
DIMENSION
Height6 cm
Depth3 cm
Width8 cm
Dimension details
Width8 cm
Height6 cm
Depth3 cm
Weight1 kg
DELIVERY
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