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Alberto Magnelli Biography
Alberto Magnelli was born on July 1, 1888, in Florence, Italy, into a world that was on the cusp of modernity. Despite not having formal art education, Magnelli's passion for painting began in 1907, marking the start of a journey that would see him become a pivotal figure in the development of abstract art. His early works, influenced by the rich artistic heritage of his hometown, were characterized by a Fauvist style, showcasing his innate talent and self-taught mastery of painting.
In 1909, Magnelli's career took a significant leap forward when he was included in the Venice Biennale, an achievement that underscored his growing reputation in the art world. This period was marked by his exploration of landscapes, which caught the attention of collectors, including a Russian collector, Count Theocharides, who purchased one of his landscapes for 1,000 pounds at the International Exhibition of the City of Venice in 1910. This sale was a milestone for Magnelli, being the first of his works to be sold.
The outbreak of World War I in 1915 saw Magnelli returning to Italy from Paris, where he had been exposed to the burgeoning Cubist movement through interactions with artists like Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, and Alexander Archipenko. Despite the war's disruptions, this period was significant for Magnelli's artistic development as he executed his first abstract paintings, incorporating cubist and futurist elements into his work. However, the war also prompted a temporary return to figurative elements, albeit in a highly transposed fashion.
The post-war years were a time of experimentation and evolution for Magnelli. In 1918, he painted the "Lyrical Explosions" series, which marked a turning point in his work towards greater abstraction. By 1921, Magnelli had his first solo show at the Galleria Materassi in Florence, and in the late 1920s and early 1930s, his work evolved further, influenced by visits to Carrara’s marble quarries and his interactions with the avant-garde in Paris. This period saw the creation of the "Stones" series, which reflected a definitive move towards abstraction.
The 1930s and 1940s were marked by significant upheaval due to the rise of Fascism in Italy and the outbreak of World War II. Magnelli's opposition to Fascism led him to distance himself from the Italian avant-garde, which was becoming increasingly aligned with the regime. During the war, he and his future wife, Susi Gerson, moved to Grasse, France, to live with other artists, including Jean Arp and Sonia Delaunay. Despite the challenges of the war, including a scarcity of materials, Magnelli continued to innovate, creating collages and other works that reflected his commitment to abstraction.
After the war, Magnelli returned to Paris, where he became a central figure in the Concrete art movement, influencing a new generation of artists, including Victor Vasarely and Nicolas de Staël. His work from this period was characterized by geometric shapes and a playful yet sophisticated use of color and form. Magnelli's contributions to abstract art were recognized through major exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels and the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Alberto Magnelli passed away on April 20, 1971, in Meudon, Paris, at the age of 82. His legacy as a pioneer of abstract art and a significant figure in the Concrete art movement endures, celebrated through exhibitions and retrospectives that continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world. Magnelli's journey from a self-taught artist in Florence to an influential figure in the Parisian avant-garde exemplifies the transformative power of creativity and the enduring impact of an artist's vision on the course of art history.
Alberto Magnelli 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.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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