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of art by this artist.
Fausto Melotti Biography
Fausto Melotti was born on June 8, 1901, in Rovereto, Italy, a city just east of Lake Garda in northeastern Italy. His early life was marked by the turmoil of the First World War, during which his family fled the intense fighting in the Alpine region and moved to Florence. This relocation would play a significant role in shaping Melotti's future, as Florence's rich artistic heritage deeply influenced him. He initially pursued an academic path in physics and mathematics, enrolling in the Istituto Tecnico di Firenze and then the Università di Pisa. However, his passion for the arts led him to Milan, where he continued his studies at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating with a degree in Electrotechnical Engineering in 1924.
Despite his technical background, Melotti's artistic inclinations were undeniable. He returned to Milan and enrolled at the Accademia di Brera, where he studied sculpture under Adolfo Wildt and formed a lifelong friendship with Lucio Fontana. This period was crucial in Melotti's development as an artist, as he was exposed to the avant-garde movements that were reshaping the European art scene. He became active in the Futurist movement, collaborating with Fortunato Depero and other prominent figures in Rovereto.
Melotti's artistic career took a significant turn in the 1930s when he began to explore abstraction. He became a leading member of the Milanese abstract artists, influenced by his studies in engineering and music. His work from this period is characterized by geometric abstraction, reflecting his interest in order, rhythm, and musical structure. Melotti's sculptures from the 1930s, such as "Scultura n. 11" (1934), are marked by their minimalist aesthetic and use of numbers as titles, anticipating the minimalism of the 1960s.
The outbreak of the Second World War had a profound impact on Melotti. The bombing of Milan in 1943 destroyed his studio, prompting a shift in his artistic focus. He turned to ceramics, producing works that reflected the trauma and despair of the war. These works, often small and somber, marked a departure from his earlier abstract sculptures. Despite this shift, Melotti's work remained deeply rooted in his interest in music, mathematics, and the principles of harmony and order.
In the post-war years, Melotti's work gained international recognition. He participated in numerous exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, where he was posthumously awarded the Golden Lion in 1986. His work from the 1960s and 1970s is characterized by a return to sculpture, using brass, iron, and gold to create delicate, almost ethereal constructions. These later works, enriched by narrative and symbolic elements, reflect Melotti's continued exploration of the relationship between art and music.
Melotti's contributions to the field of ceramics were also significant. He worked with the prestigious Richard-Ginori porcelain factory and produced a wide range of ceramic works, from decorative objects to large-scale architectural tiles. His ceramics are marked by their technical mastery and artistic innovation, blending traditional techniques with modernist aesthetics.
Throughout his career, Melotti remained a prolific writer and poet, contributing essays to architectural magazines and publishing poetry. His writings offer insight into his artistic philosophy and the intellectual underpinnings of his work. Melotti's legacy is that of an artist who seamlessly bridged the worlds of art, music, and science, creating a body of work that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply poetic.
Fausto Melotti passed away on June 22, 1986, in Milan, leaving behind a rich and diverse oeuvre that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. His work is celebrated for its elegance, intellectual depth, and the unique way it synthesizes the principles of harmony, order, and musical structure. Melotti's art transcends the boundaries between disciplines, embodying the spirit of innovation and experimentation that defined the 20th-century avant-garde.
Fausto Melotti 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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