Luigi Bartolini biography

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 "celestial anarchist", interested primarily in art rather than politics.
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 . During the 1950s and 1960s, he continued to receive prizes and recognition for his art. In 1965, two years after his death, a retrospective was dedicated to him as part of the IX Quadrennial in Rome. His passing in 1963 leaves a void in the art world, but his legacy continues to influence future generations. In conclusion, Luigi Bartolini is an artist of great versatility and depth, whose work spans diverse fields artistic. His life, marked by turbulent historical events and a tireless cultural commitment, reflects the complexity and richness of his art, making him a leading figure in the history of twentieth-century Italian art.