Francesco Labadini

For centuries, areas near Lucca, Italy like Barga and its neighboring towns have been hubs for craftsmen known as figurinai de Gesso, specializing in plaster statuary. Since the 18th century, these artisans embarked on extensive journeys across Italy and France, traveling in small groups on foot for years at a time. Along their routes, they paused to sell their wares, which included commemorative statues of politicians and various novelties.

Within these groups, seasoned craftsmen molded the statues, while others took up the task of painting them. Meanwhile, the youngest apprentices roamed the streets, balancing boards atop their heads adorned with these sculptures, eager to catch the attention of passersby and make a sale.

Francesco Labadini’s immigration papers has him listed as a “figure-maker” coming from London (originally from Lucca area of Italy) into the United States.