Piero Manzoni was an Italian artist born on July 13, 1933, in Soncino, Italy. He is best known for his role in the Arte Povera movement, which emphasized the use of everyday materials in art. Manzoni's work often challenged traditional notions of art and the artist's role, making him a significant figure in contemporary art. One of his most famous works is the "Merda d'Artista," a can containing what he claimed to be his own feces, which critiques the commercialization of art. Manzoni's innovative approach and provocative ideas continue to influence artists and provoke discussions about the nature of art and value.