makers / Valentino Panciera Besarel
Valentino Panciera Besarel
Biography
Valentino Panciera Besarel, born in Astragàl di Zoldo in 1829, came from a humble background with a family tradition of wood carving. With the support of architect Giuseppe Segusini and other artists, he managed to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. However, conflicts arose with his father, who had a different approach to work. Valentino sought inspiration in Florence and immersed himself in Renaissance art. He established a second workshop in Venice and gained recognition through national and international exhibitions, including the Universal Exhibition in Vienna (1873) and Paris (1878). His workshop on the Grand Canal evolved into a factory, attracting clients such as Princess Margherita of Savoy, the Italian royal family, and the Prince of Wales. Valentino's artistic career flourished until his death in 1902.