Benvenuto Cellini

1 9.9

An Italian sculptor and goldsmith of the Renaissance who is famous for the bronze Perseus statue

proper noun
/bɛnˈvɛnutoʊ tʃɛˈlini/

: Benvenuto Cellini

The bronze statue of Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini draws crowds in Florence's Piazza della Signoria.

Examples

Many art historians consider Benvenuto Cellini one of the greatest sculptors of the Italian Renaissance.
In his autobiography, Benvenuto Cellini vividly describes his adventures as a goldsmith and artist.
Benvenuto Cellini was a master sculptor.
The famous Italian artist Benvenuto Cellini created stunning sculptures.
In his autobiography, Benvenuto Cellini vividly describes his adventures as a goldsmith and artist.
Many art historians consider Benvenuto Cellini one of the greatest sculptors of the Italian Renaissance.
The bronze statue of Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini draws crowds in Florence's Piazza della Signoria.

Surface Forms

Benvenuto Cellini main

Morphology

Benvenuto + Cellini

This is a proper name referring to a historical individual; the biographical meaning (an Italian sculptor and goldsmith) cannot be derived from the surface words. 'Benvenuto' and 'Cellini' function as names (not compositional vocabulary), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent forms would not infer the referent or profession without prior exposure.

Etymology

Benvenuto Cellini is the name of a famous Italian sculptor and goldsmith from the 1500s, and the first name Benvenuto literally means 'welcome' in Italian, a clear image to help you remember him. He made bold works like the bronze statue Perseus with the Head of Medusa, so the name now refers to that well-known artist.