Agostino Viola
Artist and restorer

Agostino Viola's interview, Artist

What do you do and what distinguishes your work?
I am an artist, graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts of Macerata in 1985, and I currently work in artistic sacred church furnishings. I have designed stained glass windows, later produced by my collaborators, master glassmakers; I have created sacred paintings and sculptures; I have produced customized sacred furnishings at the request of priests, such as chalices and patens; and I am also able to craft episcopal pectoral crosses, bishops’ rings, etc., as I am a skilled goldsmith.

What are your flagship works?
At the moment, my collaboration with priests has focused mainly on RESTORATION of POLYCHROME PLASTER SACRED SCULPTURES and RESTORATION of SACRED FURNISHINGS in precious metals such as chalices, patens, ciboria, and monstrances. Of course, I wish to participate in the Devotio Fair in the hope of receiving further commissions from interested priests for original works of painting and sculpture.

Will you present new works at DEVOTIO 2026?
As this is my first time participating in Devotio, everything will be new to visitors. Over the years I have created many works that would not fit into the small space I selected, so I will bring a selection of BRONZE SCULPTURES, TERRACOTTA SCULPTURES, PANEL PAINTINGS, CHALICES, CROSSES, and BISHOPS’ RINGS in precious metals.

What are your expectations for DEVOTIO 2026?
I hope to meet priests or companies with whom I can build new collaborative relationships. I can cover a wide range of projects, both in the creation of original works and in restoration, adapting to different needs.

Digital tools are increasingly part of everyday life, including in professional settings. How much impact can they have in our sector? Do you have an e-commerce? Are you familiar with the ereligio.com platform? What do you think about it? Can it be useful for your activity?
I have been using e-commerce for years: I have my own website, and as an artist I am present on Singulart.com and Saatchi Art, as well as Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. As a jeweler/goldsmith, I am present on Etsy.com and Matrimonio.com. These are all useful tools, but they require constant attention and financial investment in advertising to gain visibility. The same applies to ereligio.com, which I know but have not joined so far. I believe more in the personal relationships that are created with people. For this reason, after years of following you, I decided to participate in Devotio especially because you have allowed us artists to access a more affordable space compared to previous years, when costs started at €5,000.

Today there is much discussion about the environment and sustainability. For you, what does being a sustainable professional mean and what do you do in this regard?
I believe this applies indirectly to my artistic practice: for example, in a bronze casting, the foundry itself must already take environmental considerations into account, etc.

Can you tell us something about your experience? For example, what led you to work in this sector? What fascinates you most about your work? What is your typical day like?
At eight years old I was already “painting”; I was born an artist, though life follows many paths… Over time I developed an awareness that led me to embrace sacred art as a channel of profound human experience as well as a relationship with God. Even my discovery of goldsmithing during my Academy years was never driven by money, but by the beauty of raw materials—metals and precious stones—which naturally belong to sacred art as well. Art is not merely a means of making a living, or not only that; it is above all entering a dimension of life that belongs to humanity at its highest level. Those who experience it can no longer do without it. My typical day? Devoting time to some family responsibilities and never giving up on art, even when I have little time.

Can you share an anecdote or an unforgettable moment from your work?
Perhaps it was the moment when the community and parish of Cernusco sul Naviglio (MI) presented one of my large bronze works, “The City,” to Cardinal Martini. And a few years earlier, the meetings and conversations at his summer residence in Montefiore dell'Aso (AP) with Maestro Cantatore, to whom the citizens of Montefiore dell'Aso had gifted one of my bas-reliefs—representing the gilded silver coat of arms of Montefiore dell'Aso—during the ceremony in which they granted him honorary citizenship.

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