Gregorio Sciltian, born Grigor Shildian on August 20, 1900, in Nakhichevan-on-Don, now part of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, was a distinguished Italian-Armenian painter, designer, and medallist renowned for his mastery in portraiture and trompe-l'œil compositions. His life and career spanned several countries and cultures, reflecting a rich tapestry of influences that shaped his unique artistic vision. Sciltian's early life was marked by the cultural richness of his Armenian heritage and the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution. His family's Armenian roots played a significant role in his identity, both personally and artistically. Despite the political upheavals of his time, Sciltian pursued his passion for art, studying at the prestigious Saint-Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. His education laid the foundation for his artistic journey, exposing him to the classical traditions that would later influence his work. The October Revolution of 1917 forced Sciltian to leave Russia, setting him on a path of migration that would take him across Europe. He temporarily settled in Tiflis (now Tbilisi, Georgia) before moving to Vienna, where he continued his studies at the Academy and the Museum of Fine Arts. Vienna's rich artistic environment introduced Sciltian to new influences, further shaping his evolving style. In 1923, Sciltian moved to Rome, marking the beginning of his deep connection with Italy, a country that would become his adopted home. During his time in Rome, he participated in the Biennale of Rome in 1925 and the Biennale of Venice in 1926, establishing himself as a promising artist on the Italian scene. His subsequent years in Paris and Milan were periods of artistic exploration and growth, culminating in his permanent settlement in Rome. Sciltian's work is characterized by its intricate detail, realistic portrayal, and the illusion of depth, hallmarks of the trompe-l'œil technique. He was particularly known for his still lifes and portraits, which often featured surrealistic collections of objects painted with almost photographic realism. His main influences included the futurists and cubists of his youth, as well as the Italian Caravaggio and the Flemish painters Van Eyck and Brueghel. Italian surrealist Giorgio De Chirico praised Sciltian's work, referring to it as "Sciltian's theater." Throughout his career, Sciltian's art was exhibited in key galleries and museums, including MART, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto. His work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices reflecting the high regard in which his art is held. Sciltian's most famous work, "Il Filatelico" (The Philatelist), is among the 80 pictures showcased in his last major exhibition, a retrospective in Milan in October 1980. Sciltian's artistic philosophy was deeply influenced by his reflections on human nature and the world. He believed that the decadence of the painter derived from man's hate of himself and the world, a theme that resonated throughout his work. His writings, including a "Treatise on Painting," offer insights into his moral and aesthetic views on art. Gregorio Sciltian passed away on April 1, 1985, in Rome, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire. His contributions to the art world are celebrated in Italy and beyond, with his works hanging in museums in New York, London, Brussels, Berlin, and Italy. Sciltian's life and art embody the fusion of cultures and styles, from Russian realism to Italian Renaissance, creating a body of work that transcends boundaries and time.

Gregorio Sciltian Quotes and Sales of Works

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