Luigi Bartolini was an an Italian engraver, painter, writer and poet. Born in Cupramontana on 8 February 1892, he is considered among the greatest Italian engravers of the twentieth century and has left an indelible mark on the history of Italian art.
Luigi Bartolini trained at the Academy of Rome, where he created his first etching in 1909, "La lanterna o I lanternini". His style is linked to the Italian naturalist tradition, also drawing inspiration from the prints of Rembrandt, Goya and other artists of the Italian eighteenth century.
Luigi Bartolini participates in almost all editions of the Venice Biennale from 1928 to 1962, receiving numerous awards, including the prize for engraving in 1942. His art evolved through different "manners" which he defined: "blonde", "black" and "linear". He creates numerous etchings, portraying landscapes of the Marche and Sicily, and creating series such as "The insects", "The butterflies", "The birds" and " Hunting scenes".
Arrested in 1933 by the fascist regime, Luigi Bartolini was confined first to Montefusco and then to Merano until 1938. Despite his disagreements with fascism, he was described as a "
Luigi Bartolini is also a prolific writer, poet and art critic, with over 70 books published. Among his best-known works is the novel " Bicycle Thieves ", published in 1946, which inspired the film of the same name by Vittorio De Sica. He collaborates with important Italian magazines and newspapers, and in 1960 he was appointed Academician of San Luca .