Luigi Bartolini was an engraver, painter, writer, and Italian poet. Born in Cupramontana on February 8, 1892, he is considered one of 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 connected to the Italian naturalist tradition, also drawing inspiration from the prints of Rembrandt, Goya, and other 18th-century Italian artists.
Luigi Bartolini participates in almost all editions of the Venice Biennale from 1928 to 1962, receiving numerous awards, including the engraving prize in 1942. His art evolves through different "styles" as he defined them: "blonde", "black", and "linear". He creates numerous etchings, depicting 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 first confined to Montefusco and then to Merano until 1938. Despite his disagreements with fascism, he is described as a "celestial anarchist", primarily interested in art rather than politics.
Luigi Bartolini is also a prolific writer, poet, and art critic, with over 70 books published. Among his most famous works is the novel "Ladri di biciclette", published in 1946, which inspired the film of the same name by Vittorio De Sica. He collaborates with major Italian magazines and newspapers, and in 1960 he was appointed Accademico di San Luca.
During the 1950s and 1960s, he continued to receive awards and recognition for his art. In 1965, two years after his death, a retrospective was dedicated to him as part of the IX Quadriennale di Roma. 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 prominent figure in the history of 20th-century Italian art.