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Domenico Cantatore Biography
Domenico Cantatore was an Italian painter, mosaic artist, and illustrator, born on March 16, 1906, in Ruvo di Puglia, a small town in the Apulia region of Italy. He was the youngest of eight siblings in a family that would see him move to Rome in 1922 and then to Milan in 1924, where his artistic journey truly began. In Milan, Cantatore's talent quickly began to flourish as he befriended influential figures such as art critic Raffaele Carrieri and collector Margherita Sarfatti. His first solo show in 1929 at Galleria Milano was met with praise from Carlo Carrà, marking the beginning of a promising career.
Cantatore's style, described as somewhat naive, was significantly influenced by the works of Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, and the Expressionists. His art primarily focused on portraiture and the exploration of historical themes, with a particular fascination for the figure of the reclining odalisques. This thematic focus was not just a reflection of his artistic inclinations but also an exploration of form and color that characterized much of his work.
In 1932, Cantatore moved to Paris, a city that would play a crucial role in his development as an artist. There, he befriended Henri Matisse and Amedeo Modigliani, two giants of the art world whose influences can be seen in Cantatore's work. The following year, with the help of Edoardo Persico, he organized an exhibition at the Brera Academy, primarily showcasing his drawings. This period was marked by significant artistic growth and experimentation, culminating in a solo presentation at Galleria del Milione in 1934.
Despite his success abroad, Cantatore returned to Milan in 1935, where he expanded his artistic repertoire to include writing. His novel, Ritorno al paese (Back to the Country), published in 1966, reflects his deep connection to his Italian roots and his observations of societal changes. His friendship with Salvatore Quasimodo, a Nobel Prize-winning poet, further enriched his artistic and intellectual life, with Quasimodo writing a catalogue essay for Cantatore's exhibition at Galleria d'Arte Corocchia in Milan.
Cantatore's involvement with the Novecento Italiano movement, alongside Giuseppe Migneco, Aligi Sassu, and Bruno Cassinari, marked a significant phase in his career. Although he was somewhat resistant to the group's politics, his association with them underscored his commitment to exploring Italian themes and subjects. His academic contributions were also notable; in 1940, he was appointed Professor of Figure Drawing at the Liceo artistico in Milan, and in 1950, Professor of Painting at the Brera Academy. His influence on a generation of artists, including Natale Addamiano, Sabino Gesmundo, and Paola Grott, is a testament to his skill as both an artist and educator.
Cantatore's work received considerable recognition throughout his career. His painting Woman dressing won the Premio Principe Umberto in 1940, followed by the Premio Modena in 1947 with Woman Sewing, and the Premio Suzzara in 1950. His art was exhibited at prestigious venues such as the XXIX Venice Biennale and the VII Rome Quadriennale, and he had solo shows in Milan at Galleria Barbaroux, Galleria dell'Annunciata, and Galleria Gianferrari. In 1959, he was commissioned to create twenty windows for the Basilica of San Domenico in Siena, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled artist.
Domenico Cantatore passed away in Paris on May 22, 1998, leaving behind a legacy that spans painting, mosaic art, illustration, and writing. His work, characterized by a blend of naivety and sophistication, continues to be celebrated for its unique style and contribution to the Italian art scene of the 20th century.
Domenico Cantatore Quotes and
Sales of Works
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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.
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works:
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