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The 7 Most Famous Davide Rivalta Paintings, a Gallery Selection
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 7 works by Davide Rivalta in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Davide Rivalta left, the most famous is Aquila 2 (2017), in the collection of the THAT'S CONTEMPORARY, Milan. Close behind it come Bufala (2015) and Ghepardo (2015). Our catalog holds 7 works by Davide Rivalta; the gallery has kept the 7 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
born 1974, Bologna
Most works: THAT'S CONTEMPORARY
Davide Rivalta's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice
The museums that keep Davide Rivalta's originals
The 2 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Davide Rivalta | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 THAT'S CONTEMPORARY |
Milan | 6 | Aquila 2, Bufala, Ghepardo |
 Quirinal Palace |
Rome | 1 | Leoni |
Davide Rivalta year by year: the originals that define each
Davide Rivalta's dated works in this selection cover only 4 years, from 2015 to 2018: a brief career, shown here year by year.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its originals.
Collectors' questions about Davide Rivalta's paintings
Which work is Davide Rivalta most famous for?Reveal the answer
Aquila 2 (2017), THAT'S CONTEMPORARY, Milan. Bufala (2015) and Ghepardo (2015) come next.
What age was Davide Rivalta when Aquila 2 was made?Reveal the answer
43 years old: Aquila 2 dates from 2017, and Davide Rivalta was born in 1974.
How many paintings did Davide Rivalta leave?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 7 works by Davide Rivalta, dated from 2015 to 2018.
In which museums do Davide Rivalta's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in THAT'S CONTEMPORARY (Milan) and Quirinal Palace (Rome). The museum table above lists them all.
In which years did Davide Rivalta paint the most famous works?Reveal the answer
In 2018: 3 of the 7 works on this page were made then, Lupo among them.
What are the first and the last famous originals of Davide Rivalta?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Bufala (2015) and the latest Lupo (2018).
Which Davide Rivalta works hang at the THAT'S CONTEMPORARY?Reveal the answer
Aquila 2, Bufala and Ghepardo: the THAT'S CONTEMPORARY, Milan holds 6 of the works on this page.
Davide Rivalta: life and work
The Soul of the Wild: The Sculptural World of Davide Rivalta
In the heart of Bologna, where history and contemporary thought converge, the works of Davide Rivalta breathe a silent, primal life into the modern gallery space. Born in 1974, the Italian sculptor has cultivated a practice that transcends mere representation, seeking instead to capture the very essence of the natural world. His journey began within the prestigious halls of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, later expanding his artistic vocabulary through rigorous study at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich. This dual foundation in Italian tradition and German academic depth has allowed him to develop a style that is both physically grounded and spiritually evocative.
Rivalta’s artistry is defined by a profound fascination with the animal kingdom, yet he avoids the clichés of wildlife portraiture. Instead, his sculptures—ranging from the imposing Bufala (Buffalo) to the piercing gaze of the Aquila (Eagle)—explore a delicate tension between power and vulnerability. He possesses a unique ability to render creatures like wolves, lions, and cheetahs in states of docility or quiet repose. This intentional choice creates a striking contrast; by stripping away the overt violence often associated with apex predators, he reveals a majestic, almost melancholic dignity that invites the viewer into a moment of intimate connection with the wild.
Technique and the Language of Form
The physical presence of a Rivalta sculpture is often as impactful as its subject matter. His process involves a deep engagement with texture and mass, creating works that feel as though they have emerged directly from the earth itself. Through his mastery of sculpture and installation, he builds forms that command space, using materials that evoke the ruggedness of nature. Whether it is the heavy, grounded presence of a buffalo or the sleek, predatory grace of a Ghepardo (Cheetah), each piece serves as a meditation on the weight of existence.
His work often functions within larger installations, where the placement of his animals can transform an environment into a staged, almost theatrical landscape. This approach allows him to explore themes of:
- The intersection of nature and civilization: Placing wild forms within human-made or rustic settings to highlight our separation from the natural world.
- The duality of strength and softness: Using heavy textures to represent the physical might of animals while imbuing them with a gentle, contemplative spirit.
- Temporal presence: Creating sculptures that feel ancient and timeless, as if they are relics of a forgotten era of coexistence.
Legacy and Contemporary Significance
Today, Davide Rivalta stands as a significant voice in contemporary sculpture, bridging the gap between classical realism and modern conceptualism. His ability to evoke empathy for the non-human world has earned him recognition in some of the most esteemed institutions globally. From the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome to the serene Château de Vullierens in Switzerland, his work resonates with a universal language of life and instinct. By teaching sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in his native Bologna, he also ensures that his profound respect for material and subject continues to inspire the next generation of artists.