Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Ettore Colla Biography
Ettore Colla was a pivotal figure in the Italian art scene, particularly known for his contributions to the abstraction movement. Born in Parma in 1896, Colla's journey into the art world began at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Parma. His early life was marked by his service as a soldier during World War I, where he sustained severe injuries. This period of turmoil, however, did not deter his artistic pursuits. In 1923, Colla moved to Paris, a city that was then the epicenter of artistic innovation. There, he immersed himself in the ateliers of internationally renowned sculptors such as Antoine Bourdelle, Constantin Brancusi, and Henri Laurens. This exposure significantly influenced his artistic development, providing him with a foundation that would inform his later works.
By 1926, Colla had relocated to Rome, where he established his own studio. This period was crucial for his artistic identity, as he began to forge a path that was distinctively his own. In 1932, he found employment as an art teacher in Naples, and by 1936, he was teaching in Rome. During these years, his works displayed a visual affinity with the Novecento group and the sculpture of Arturo Martini. However, it was after World War II that Colla's artistic direction took a significant turn. Like many Italian artists of the time, he began exploring the expressive possibilities of abstraction, marking a departure from his earlier, more figurative works.
The 1950s were a particularly transformative period for Colla. In 1950, he was a founding member of the group Origine, alongside Mario Ballocco, Alberto Burri, and Giuseppe Capogrossi. Origine was not just a movement but also an art gallery in Rome (Galleria Origine) and a periodical (Arti visive), through which the group expressed their abstract art views. Colla's work during this time is characterized by its abstract geometric forms. He created geometrical figures in space, focusing on a two-dimensional conception of sculptural work. His material of choice was often iron sheets found in industrial deposits, a practice that critics have related to Dadaist practices. This period saw Colla creating wide murals and two-dimensional sculptures, always utilizing iron sheets.
In the 1960s, Colla's focus shifted back to geometry and geometrical figures, culminating in one of his most engaging works, "Spiral," executed in 1961. His exploration of form and space during this period solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Italian abstractionism. Colla's work is recognized for its innovative approach to sculpture and abstraction, challenging traditional notions of form and space.
Ettore Colla's contributions to the Italian and international art scenes were profound. His journey from a figurative artist to a leading figure in abstractionism reflects the broader shifts in art during the 20th century. Colla's work is celebrated for its exploration of form, space, and material, marking him as a pivotal figure in the development of abstract art in Italy. His legacy is preserved through his artworks, which continue to inspire and influence artists around the world. Ettore Colla passed away in Rome in 1968, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its innovation and artistic merit.
Ettore Colla Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
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.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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