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Franco Gentilini Biography
Franco Gentilini was an Italian painter whose work is celebrated for its unique blend of stylization and thematic exploration. Born on August 4, 1909, in Faenza, Italy, Gentilini's artistic journey began in his hometown, where he initially worked as a ceramist. His early exposure to art and craftsmanship laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the visual arts.
In 1930, Gentilini's work was accepted for the 17th Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte della Città di Venezia, marking the beginning of his participation in the prestigious Venice Biennale. This early recognition was a testament to his talent and the potential that would unfold throughout his career. That same year, he visited Paris, a city that would greatly influence his artistic development.
Moving to Rome in 1932, Gentilini held his first solo show at the Galleria di Roma. His works from this period were inspired by pre-Renaissance Italian art, showcasing an archaic style that would evolve significantly over time. He also established himself as a fresco painter, a medium that allowed him to express his artistic vision on a grand scale.
Gentilini's participation in the 5th Esposizione Internazionale delle Arti Decorative in Milan in 1933 and the 2nd Quadriennale Nazionale d’Arte in Rome in 1935 further solidified his reputation. The city of Rome's governing body purchased one of his works during the Quadriennale, a clear sign of his growing prominence in the Italian art scene.
The late 1930s marked a pivotal moment in Gentilini's career as he began to associate with the artists of the Roman School. This group of painters sought to challenge the emptiness they perceived in Italian art during the years dominated by Fascism. Their focus on a return to figurative subject matter and painting technique was a counter-response to the rise of Art informel and the commodification of iconography seen in Pop Art.
Gentilini's work gained considerable demand among private Italian collectors after World War II, thanks in part to his continued participation in numerous exhibitions. His themes during this period included stylized cathedrals, landscapes with "irregular perspectives," cats, and itinerant figures. These motifs became synonymous with the artist, who first explored the cathedral theme in the 1950s.
In 1947, Gentilini moved to Paris, where he was influenced by cubism and the concurrent developments in the city's art scene. His pictorial work, spanning all media, gained prominence over his writing following the Second World War. The artist returned to Rome in the 1960s, where he served as a professor at the Accademia delle Belle Arti alongside Mino Maccari.
Gentilini's artistic style is characterized by a harmonious blend of representation and fragmentation. His Cathedrals series, in particular, showcases a union of varied forces, where representation is explored alongside a fragmenting or distorting of form. This approach reflects his engagement with contemporary society's pros and cons, a perspective that drives the thematic content of his work.
Throughout his career, Gentilini's work was included in significant albums and collections, such as the one represented by PRPH Books, which highlighted the artist's recognizable profile and his mildly satirical mode. His contributions to these collections were often witty and reflective of his unique artistic voice.
Franco Gentilini passed away on April 5, 1981, in Rome, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work remains a significant part of Italy's cultural heritage, with pieces housed in various museums and collections. Gentilini's artistic vision, marked by a deep understanding of color, form, and thematic exploration, solidifies his place as one of the notable Italian painters of the 20th century.
Franco Gentilini Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
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