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Renato Guttuso Biography
Renato Guttuso was an Italian painter whose work left a profound impact on 20th-century art, intertwining his creative expression with political activism and cultural commentary. Born on December 26, 1911, in Bagheria, a town near Palermo in Sicily, Guttuso grew up in an environment that fostered his artistic talents. His father, Gioacchino Guttuso, was a land surveyor and an amateur watercolorist, which provided the young Renato with early exposure to the world of art.
From a young age, Guttuso showed a keen interest in painting, signing and dating his works as early as thirteen years old. His early pieces were mainly copies of 19th-century Sicilian landscapes, but he also drew inspiration from French painters and contemporary artists. By the time he was seventeen, Guttuso had his first exhibition at the shop of Emilio Murdolo, a Sicilian chariots painter.
In 1931, Guttuso's work was accepted at the Prima Quadriennale d’Arte Nazionale in Rome, which provided him with the opportunity to see and be influenced by contemporary art. The following year, he exhibited with other Sicilian artists at the Galleria del Milione in Milan, which marked his entry into the Milanese artistic milieu. During this period, he also worked as a picture restorer, which allowed him to come into contact with artists like Mario Mafai and Corrado Cagli.
Guttuso moved to Rome in 1937, where he became associated with the Corrente group, an association of anti-fascist artists that included Giacomo Manzù and Aligi Sassu. This group sought to create art free from the rhetorical overtones of Fascism and aimed to reflect the urgency of contemporary life. Guttuso's alignment with Corrente marked a shift in his style towards expressionist realism, a powerful brand of art that would dominate Italian art in the post-war years.
His best-known works from this period include "Flight from Etna" (1938–39), "Crucifixion" (1941), and "La Vucciria" (1974). These pieces not only showcased his artistic skill but also his commitment to social commentary and political engagement. Guttuso's "Crucifixion" was particularly controversial, drawing criticism from the Catholic Church for its bold interpretation of religious subject matter.
During World War II, Guttuso joined the Italian Resistance, fighting against Fascism. His anti-Fascist stance was not only evident in his participation in the Resistance but also in his art, which often depicted the harsh realities of war and injustice. After the war, Guttuso continued to be a prominent figure in Italy's cultural renaissance, and his work found favor with the Italian Communist Party (PCI), which he joined in 1940.
Guttuso's political engagement extended beyond his art. In 1976, he was elected to the Italian Senate as a PCI representative for the Sicilian constituency of Sciacca, serving until 1983. His political and cultural influence was recognized internationally, and in 1972, he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize.
Throughout his career, Guttuso remained deeply connected to his Sicilian roots, which influenced the vibrant palette and subject matter of his paintings. His works often featured the landscapes and people of southern Italy, celebrating their vitality with rich and intense colors reminiscent of his native land.
Guttuso's contributions to art were not limited to painting. He also designed for the theater, created illustrations for books, and wrote articles on art theory. His illustrations for Elizabeth David’s "Italian Food" introduced him to the English-speaking world, while his set and costume designs for "Histoire du Soldat" in Rome in 1940 showcased his versatility as an artist.
Renato Guttuso passed away on January 18, 1987, in Rome, leaving behind a legacy as one of Italy's most respected modern painters. His work continues to be celebrated for its emotional intensity, its vivid portrayal of Italian life, and its unyielding commitment to social and political issues. Guttuso's art remains a testament to his belief that art should not only reflect history but be an active part of it, engaging with and shaping the society in which it exists.
Renato Guttuso 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.
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