Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Sculptor Enrico Menegatti dies after turning driftwood into art
Sculptor Enrico Menegatti has died after falling ill and being taken to hospitals in the Ferrara area of Italy.
He was from Codigoro, where his wife, Sabina Alice Zanardi, is mayor.
Menegatti made sculptures from wood washed ashore on beaches along the Ferrara coast, often shaping it into animals.
His work brought attention to the area's landscape and the reuse of natural materials.
His sculptures appeared in parks and outdoor art trails, including at Pomposa Abbey, and he won the Arte Mondadori prize in 2000.
His death has prompted tributes from local officials and the community, who praised his artistic work and connection to the area.
Sculptor Enrico Menegatti died during the night of 13 to 14 October 2026 after becoming seriously ill.
He was known for sculptures made from driftwood washed onto beaches in the Ferrara area.
Menegatti was born in Codigoro, where his wife, Sabina Alice Zanardi, is mayor.
His works included pieces at Pomposa Abbey and on the Bologna Montana Art Trail, and were reviewed by National Geographic.
Reports differed on his age: Corriere di Bologna said he was 70, while Estense.com said he was 71.
- Who
- Enrico Menegatti, a sculptor from Codigoro.
- What
- He died after a serious illness. He was known for sculptures made from wood washed ashore.
- When
- During the night between 13 and 14 October 2026.
- Where
- He died at Sant'Anna hospital in Cona, near Ferrara.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Menegatti won the Arte Mondadori award.
He received a special Riva1920 recognition at the Reuse – Nutrition for Planet award at the Cantù Wood Festival.
He contributed several works to the park at Pomposa Abbey.
He created San Giorgio e il Drago for the Bologna Montana Art Trail project.
Menegatti died at Sant'Anna hospital in Cona after being taken there from the Delta hospital.
- Age
- Reports said 70 and 71
- Hometown
- Codigoro, Italy
- Art material
- Driftwood washed onto local beaches
- Award
- Arte Mondadori, 2000
- Hospital
- Sant'Anna hospital in Cona
3 sources
What people are saying
The most atrocious pain one can feel has broken my heart. Keep sculpting infinity. Here, amid the tears and the emptiness of your absence, we will continue to love you. Forever.
With Enrico Menegatti, an appreciated artist is gone, an authentic interpreter of the deep bond between people and nature.
We are losing an artist who, through his creativity and sensitivity, knew how to value and tell the story of our Delta, transforming wood washed ashore into works capable of moving and inspiring admiration.