Abstract

The paper analyses the plaster half-bust of the composer Richard Wagner nowadays preserved in the Gallery of Modern Art in Rome. It is an early work by Ettore Ferrari, conceived in November 1876, however showing interesting similarities to some works of the sculptor, and intimate friend, Ercole Rosa. According to the principles of Liberty and Equality shared both by Ferrari and Wagner, a close friendship is further proved by a letter - unpublished - addressed to Ferrari by Wagner's wife, Cosima.