Custode Samurai XII by Matteo Pugliese
With Custode Samurai XII, Matteo Pugliese interprets the warrior figure as a symbol of protection and inner strength. The sculpture portrays a samurai standing firmly in a frontal pose, clad in richly detailed armor, with a compact and monumental presence that conveys authority and discipline.
The artist: Matteo Pugliese
Matteo Pugliese (Milan, 1969) is one of the most internationally recognized contemporary Italian sculptors. His research explores the relationship between body and space, limit and liberation, through powerful and symbolically charged figures. Known for his iconic series Extra Moenia and The Guardians, he primarily works in bronze, investigating themes such as resistance, identity, and transformation.
Description “Custode Samurai XII”
Cast in bronze, the sculpture presents a warrior in an upright stance, holding his weapons with composed determination. The solid, compact volumes reinforce a sense of stability, while the concentrated expression suggests introspection and control. The material intensity of the bronze gives the work a strong and commanding presence.
Meaning of “Custode Samurai XII”
The samurai is depicted not as a fighter, but as a guardian. Conceptually linked to The Guardians series, the figure embodies responsibility, protection, and spiritual vigilance. It becomes a universal symbol of balance between outer strength and inner discipline.
Conclusion
Custode Samurai XII combines formal rigor with symbolic depth. Matteo Pugliese reinterprets the ancient warrior tradition to offer a contemporary reflection on moral strength and the role of the individual as a guardian of personal values.