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Giorgio Morandi Biography
Giorgio Morandi, born on July 20, 1890, in Bologna, Italy, is celebrated as one of the most esteemed Italian painters and printmakers of the 20th century. Known for his meticulously crafted still lifes, Morandi's work is characterized by its serene simplicity, subtle color palettes, and contemplative quality. His art, while seemingly detached from the tumultuous events of his time, offers a profound meditation on the ordinary, transforming everyday objects into subjects of deep introspection and timeless beauty.
Morandi's early life was marked by a modest upbringing in Bologna, where he was born to Andrea Morandi and Maria Maccaferri. The eldest of five sons, Morandi took on a significant role in his family following his father's death in 1909. His artistic journey began at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna (Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna), where he enrolled in 1907. Despite facing disapproval from his professors over his evolving style, Morandi's studies at the Accademia laid the foundation for his lifelong exploration of art. His early exposure to the works of Italian Renaissance masters during a visit to Florence in 1910 left a lasting impression on him, influencing his approach to composition and form.
Morandi's career was briefly interrupted by military service in 1915, during which he experienced a breakdown and was subsequently discharged. This period of convalescence allowed him to refine his artistic vision, leading to a reduction in the compositional elements of his still life paintings and a purer form that revealed his admiration for Paul Cézanne and Henri "Le Douanier" Rousseau. Between 1918 and 1922, Morandi engaged with metaphysical painting, a style developed by Giorgio de Chirico and Carlo Carrà that imbued everyday objects with a dreamlike, mysterious atmosphere. However, Morandi's unique approach to art began to crystallize in the subsequent years, as he developed an intimate, highly refined formal sensibility that distinguished his work from that of his contemporaries.
Throughout his career, Morandi remained largely in Bologna, living a life marked by routine and solitude. This reclusive lifestyle, however, did not hinder his engagement with the broader artistic community or contemporary debates. Morandi's work, while not closely affiliated with any particular school of painting, was profoundly influenced by Cézanne, whose emphasis on form and color deeply resonated with him. Morandi's still lifes, devoid of overt symbolism, focus on the harmonious arrangement of bottles, jars, and boxes, rendered in muted tones that evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection. His landscapes, though less known, carry the same quietude and sensitivity to light and form.
Morandi's dedication to his craft extended to his role as an instructor of etching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna from 1930 to 1956, where he influenced generations of Italian graphic artists. Despite his international acclaim, Morandi remained modest and focused on his art, treating recognition as a distraction from his work. His paintings, celebrated for their poetic quality and devotion to purely aesthetic values, have earned him a place among the most revered artists of the 20th century.
In the later years of his life, Morandi's work continued to garner recognition and admiration. He participated in numerous international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the Bienal de São Paulo, where he was awarded first prize for etching in 1953 and for painting in 1957. Morandi's legacy is preserved in the Museo Morandi in Bologna, established in 1993, which houses a significant collection of his works. Giorgio Morandi passed away on June 18, 1964, in Bologna, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and profound simplicity.
Giorgio Morandi 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
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professionalism.
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