Boldini and friends in Paris
Rome show spotlights achievements of Italian artists
04 March, 12:20
(ANSA) - Rome, March 4 - The challenges and achievements of a
colony of bohemian Italian artists living in Paris at the turn
of the last century are spotlighted in a crowd-drawing show in
Rome.Over 90 works are on display, focusing principally on the careers of Giovanni Boldini, Giuseppe De Nittis and Federico Zandomeneghi. "The relationship between France and Italy forms a critical part of our European culture," said Rome Culture Superintendent Umberto Broccoli. "This exhibition highlights the cultural reality of this meeting point for Italian artists who made Paris their cultural centre, contrasting their work to that of French artists and using their 'Italianess' and style to create a universal language".
The exhibition at the Chiostro del Bramante features a variety of key works, designed not only to explore the life stories of the Italian artists but also to convey a sense of Paris at the time. Cafes, boulevards, ateliers and Parisian high society are all recreated in the exhibit, which is divided into sections devoted to different artists. In addition to the three Italian stars, the exhibit features key works by slightly lesser known names, among which Vittorio Corcos, Antonio Mancini, Paul Helleu, Leon Bonnat, Telemaco Signorini and Serafino De Tivoli.
The curator of the show, Francesca Dini, suggested that Italian artists, as outsiders, were quickly able to identify trends that would become popular on the international market.
They made conscious efforts to tap this market, she explained, pointing to the fact they all participated in every Universal Exposition. "Their relationship with Paris was certainly not one of chance," Dini added. "Instead it stemmed from their deeply held belief in a dream of modernity, of which Paris was a symbol". The exhibition contrasts the lively, vibrant style of Boldini, with bold, dashing works such as his 'Conversation at the Café' and 'Loyal Friend', with the elegant, quieter approach of De Nittis, including his minutely detailed 1872 portrait of a woman on a bench at Bois.
Among Zandomeneghi's Impressionist pieces is Mother And Daughter, a tranquil, intimate scene showing the older woman combing the younger's hair.
'Boldini e gli italiani a Parigi' (Boldini and the Italians in Paris) is on show at the Chiostro del Bramante until March 14.
PHOTO: a portrait of Luisa Casati by Govanni Boldini
