Peasant Boy

This statuette representing Tobias is made by the workshop of Severo Calzetta da Ravenna, in Italy in the first half of the 16th century.

Severo da Ravenna or Severo di Domenico Calzetta da Ravenna was an Italian sculptor, active ca. 1496, who died in ca. 1543. His father was probably a sculptor and he may have been related to the two painters of the same name working in the circle of Mantegna in Padua: Pietro Calzetta and Francesco Calzetta. Severo might have divided his time between Padua, Ferrara and Ravenna, where he was first recorded in 1496.

Severo was described by a contemporary as 'the perfect sculptor'. His small bronzes were replicated in great numbers and his many patrons included Isabella d'Este, the Marchesa of Mantua and a discerning collector.