Luigi Bartolini biography
Luigi Bartolini
Luigi Bartolini was an engraver, painter, writer, and Italian poet. Born in Cupramontana on February 8, 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, "The Lantern or The Little Lanterns". His style connects to the Italian naturalist tradition, also drawing inspiration from the prints of Rembrandt, Goya, and other eighteenth-century Italian artists.
Luigi Bartolini participated in almost all editions of the Venice Biennale from 1928 to 1962, receiving numerous recognitions, including the engraving prize in 1942. His artwork evolved through different "manners" he defined: "blonde", "black", and "linear". He created numerous etchings, portraying landscapes of Marche and Sicily, and producing 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 is described as a "celestial anarchist", mainly interested in artwork rather than politics.
Luigi Bartolini is also a prolific writer, poet, and art critic, with over 70 published books. Among his best-known works is the novel "Bicycle Thieves", published in 1946, which inspired the homonymous film by Vittorio De Sica. He collaborated with important Italian magazines and newspapers, and in 1960 he was appointed Academician of San Luca.
During the '50s and '60s, he continued to receive awards and recognition for his artwork. In 1965, two years after his death, a retrospective was dedicated to him within the IX Quadriennale of Rome. His passing in 1963 left 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 artwork spans various artistic fields. His life, marked by turbulent historical events and tireless cultural commitment, reflects the complexity and richness of his art, making him a leading figure in the history of Italian art of the twentieth century.