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Mario Pachioli (Vasto, 1948 – Florence, 2024) was an internationally renowned sculptor, celebrated for his ability to combine monumental scale, emotional sensitivity, and refined figurative technique. He graduated from the State Art Institute of Vasto and trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Over his career, he participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in Italy and abroad. His works are held in major museums in Krakow, Warsaw, Cancun, Stia, Arezzo, and at the Bargello in Florence.

Among his most notable works are the 15 panels "The Mysteries of the Rosary", the monument to St. Pio of Pietrelcina inaugurated by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Monument to Saint Mary of the Assumption, the sculpture Greta Garbo on the centenary of her birth, the commemorative medallion of Enrico Caruso, and numerous papal medals. He created the "Lorenzo il Magnifico" medal for the Florence Biennale, where he also served on the international jury, and received numerous honours, including the “Beato Angelico" medal.

“To Mario Pachioli, astonishing reincarnation of our Great Masters, in hand and spirit, who can still restore to us the intact values that may bloom again. With my deepest admiration and friendship.”

— Franco Zeffirelli

Critics have consistently recognized Pachioli’s rare balance between expressive power and poetic sensitivity. Antonio Berti, his teacher, recalled him as “an authentic artist, confident and determined in what he seeks to achieve[...] He can sculpt a portrait effortlessly and, even in grand compositions, infuse remarkable expressiveness into his figures[...]the seed I saw sprout grew strong roots and flourished abundantly”. Paolo Levi emphasized the vitality of his work: “Poetic and mythic moments reflect a soul and a storyteller’s temperament, where plastic sensuality and messages of undeniable aesthetic value mingle [...] cosmic suffering, born of research that also explores the psychological depth of his characters”.
 

Tommaso Paloscia highlighted “the harmony of his figurative work and impeccable technique, which allow him to model terracotta with great sensitivity, often amplified by the emotional events conveyed in the image”. G. Bonomi noted the humanity of his compositions: “Animated, harmonious compositions, imbued with humanity, form Pachioli’s world, adding remarkable qualities as a modeller”.

Elvio Natali described Pachioli’s work as a constant balance between dynamism and composure: “The accent, the rhythm, is in the tremor of life that moves through, stirs, and shapes forms[...].Figures of saints, women, and athletes: hieratic, athletic, or intimate. Beauty of flesh and spirit in liturgical rituals [...] That vitality that flows and trembles in his creations is his modern accent grounded in the classical nature of forms”. Together, these critical observations depict an artist who fused tradition and innovation, classical models with Baroque influences, sacred figures with monumental reliefs and tondi. Each work reflects meticulous attention to detail and emotional depth: the body becomes a vehicle of spiritual and human expression, gestures convey grace, the tension of muscles and harmony of forms guide the viewer through a complete aesthetic experience where beauty, history, and feeling converge.

With profound gratitude, the Florence Biennale awards Mario Pachioli the "Lorenzo il Magnifico" Award, which he himself created, in recognition of his extraordinary creative, educational, and human contributions, celebrating a sculptor and master of enduring significance whose art continues to speak to the hearts of all who encounter it.