Marino Marini was an Italian artist best known for his figurative equestrian sculptures. Born in Pistoia, Italy, he studied painting at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence but began working with sculpture soon after he graduated. During his career he returned to the theme of a horse and rider with his arms stretched out to either side. He depicted this subject in paintings and various printmaking techniques in addition to his sculptures. Marini was awarded the Prize of the Quadriennale of Rome in 1936 and his work was included in a group survey of Italian art at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In 1988 the Marino Marini Museum opened in Florence, Italy.