Agathangjel Mbrica

Who was Agathangjel Mbrica?

Agathangjel Mbrica was an Albanian artist and goldsmith.

Agathangjel Mbrica was born in Berat, a city in southern Albania in 1883. His father Dhimitraq Mbrica was a tailor who specialized in making xhamadans and fustanellas.

From the age of 14 Agathangjel Mbrica started working as a goldsmith apprentice of Aleks Kola in his store. During the 1920s Mbrica became one of the most renowned goldsmiths in Albania. He forged a gold medal requested by the teachers of Berat to honour Avni Rustemi, an activist and teacher.

In 1938 he forged a gold double-headed eagle as a present for Zog I, the king of Albania. In 1950 he forged a gold pigeon, which was used to honour Joseph Stalin. Many of the works of Agathangjel Mbrica are inspired by religious events. His most famous work is a large gold icon titled The Departure of Elijah.