Franco Gentilini

Franco Gentilini

Franco Gentilini was a prominent Italian artist who was born in Faenza in 1927 and passed away in 1991. He was known for his large-scale paintings of the Italian landscape, which were heavily influenced by the principles of chromatic and geometric abstraction. Gentilini was a leading figure in the Italian art scene in the mid-20th century and was particularly innovative in his use of color, which he used to emphasize line and form in his work. He was heavily influenced by the Futurist movement, which sought to capture the dynamism and energy of modern life through art. Gentilini's work was characterized by a strong sense of rhythm and movement, which was achieved through his use of bold, sweeping brushstrokes and vibrant colors. His paintings often featured abstracted landscapes that were rendered in a highly stylized manner, with an emphasis on geometric shapes and bold, contrasting colors. Among his most famous works are the large-scale abstract paintings ‘The Flight of Icarus over the Sea’ and ‘Gothic Landscape’, created in the 1950s. In addition to his abstract works, Gentilini was also renowned for his landscapes of Venice, which were popularized by his large-scale public murals, most notably the ‘Venice in the Middle Ages’ mural, painted in 1959. These works captured the beauty and grandeur of the city, while also showcasing Gentilini's unique style and approach to painting. Throughout his career, Gentilini exhibited extensively both in Italy and internationally, including at the Venice Biennale and the Guggenheim Museum. His work continues to be highly regarded by art critics and collectors alike, and his legacy as one of Italy's most important artists of the 20th century remains secure.

Franco Gentilini, Italian artist, chromatic and geometric abstraction, Futurist movement, abstracted landscapes, Venice, public murals, Venice Biennale, Guggenheim Museum

— Joseph Jackson