B. Bufano

Upon moving to California, Margrit Biever became captivated by the work of Beniamino Bufano, she marveled at the elegant creatures and forms she began noticing throughout the city of San Francisco. She envisioned a man full of emotion, imagination, and strength. As she became further connected within the San Francisco art community, Bufano’s acquaintances and eventually the man himself would confirm her initial impressions. When she had the good fortune to meet Beniamino’s son, the move to install a permanent collection of his work at the winery was put in motion.

To Bufano, the medium was as important as the finished piece. He chose marble, steel, granite, and wood to be the vehicles of his expression. From these tough, often unyielding materials he evokes warm, loveable creatures and graceful human forms. But not purely a sculptor, his mosaics and sketches also illustrate his ability to see the clean, simple essence of his subject.

Bufano loved animals as many of his works illustrate. Peace, harmony, and St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, are also recurring subjects for the artist. Bufano’s connection to the Winery comes through this tie to St. Francis, as it is the Franciscan Friars, founded by St. Francis, who are credited with brining wine grapes to California over 200 years ago. The Friars’ understanding of the land and the importance of wine in culture are important traditions Robert Mondavi Winery continues to uphold.