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Mario Tozzi Biography
Mario Tozzi was an Italian painter whose work and life story reflect a rich tapestry of artistic evolution, personal struggle, and cultural exchange. Born on October 30, 1895, in Fossombrone, a small town in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, Tozzi's journey into the world of art began at a young age. His early life was marked by a significant move with his family to Suna, a picturesque location on the shore of Lake Maggiore, where his father practiced as a doctor. This environment would later influence his artistic output, particularly in his stylized figures and earthy color palettes.
Tozzi's initial foray into academia was not in the arts but in chemistry, a path he abandoned in 1913 to pursue his true calling at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Bologna. It was here that he met fellow artists Giorgio Morandi and Osvaldo Licini, forming relationships that would shape his artistic network. His graduation in 1915 was swiftly followed by military service in the First World War, a harrowing experience that saw the loss of two of his brothers.
After the war, Tozzi's life took a pivotal turn when he moved to Paris in 1919, a city that was then the epicenter of the European art scene. It was in Paris that Tozzi's style began to flourish, influenced by the Metaphysical painting movement. His work integrated the movement's plasticity, clear arrangement schemes, and references to Italian classical painting. Tozzi's talent did not go unnoticed; he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Indépendantes, the Salon d’Automne, and the Salon des Tuileries, where his work received critical acclaim.
The 1920s were a period of intense creativity and collaboration for Tozzi. He connected with Licini in France and began to frequent avant-garde artists, leading to his participation in the Italian Novecento exhibition in Milan. Tozzi was a founding member of the Groupe des Sept, also known as Les Italiens de Paris, alongside notable artists such as Massimo Campigli, Giorgio de Chirico, Filippo De Pisis, Renato Paresce, Alberto Savinio, and Gino Severini.
Tozzi's return to Italy in 1936 marked a new chapter in his career. He settled in Rome and continued to exhibit his work, including at the Venice Biennale in 1938 and 1942. However, his artistic output was interrupted by health problems that plagued him from 1937 until 1958. Despite these challenges, Tozzi resumed painting later in life, simplifying his technique and subjects. He continued to participate in the Venice Biennale in 1952 and 1954, showcasing his enduring commitment to his craft.
In his later years, Tozzi reintroduced the human figure into his artwork, with a particular focus on the female nude. His compositions during this period were influenced by Cubism, Metaphysics, and Abstractism, featuring solid geometric elements and a celebration of Euclidean geometry. Tozzi's use of chiaroscuro enhanced the volumetric quality of his figures, and his medium of choice was often tempera.
Tozzi's final return to France in 1971 was motivated by a desire to be close to his family. He spent his last years in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, where he passed away on September 8, 1979. His legacy is preserved in the public collections of major museums, including the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, the Museum of Fine Arts Bern, the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, the Museo del Novecento in Milan, the Bologna Museum of Modern Art, and the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna in Rome.
Mario Tozzi's artistic journey was one of constant evolution and adaptation. From his early days in Bologna to his final years in France, Tozzi's work reflected his experiences, his environment, and the artistic movements of his time. His paintings, characterized by their stylized figures and geometric forms, continue to captivate audiences and hold a significant place in the history of Italian art.
Mario Tozzi 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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