Renato Guttuso | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Senate of the Republic | |
| In office 5 July 1976 – 11 July 1983 | |
| Constituency | Sicily (1976–1979) Apulia (1979–1983) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Aldo Renato Guttuso 26 December 1911 Bagheria, Italy |
| Died | 18 January 1987 (aged 75) Rome, Italy |
| Political party | Italian Communist Party |
| Alma mater | University of Palermo |
| Occupation | Painter |
Aldo Renato Guttuso (26 December 1911 – 18 January 1987) was an Italian painter and politician. He is considered to be among the most important Italian artists of the 20th century and is among the key figures of Italian expressionism. His art is characterized by social and political commentary,[1] and as a member of the Italian Communist Party (PCI) he became its senator for two legislatures, from 1976 to 1983, during Enrico Berlinguer's secretariat.
His best-known works include Flight from Etna (1938–39), Crucifixion (1941), and La Vucciria (1974). Guttuso also designed for the theatre (including sets and costumes for Histoire du Soldat, Rome, 1940) and did illustrations for books. Those for Elizabeth David’s Italian Food (1954),[2] introduced him to many in the English-speaking world. A fierce anti-Fascist, "he developed out of expressionism and the harsh light of his native land to paint landscapes and social commentary".[2]
- ^ Painter of Principle. The Financial Times (London, England), Saturday, May 18, 1996; pg. XVI; Edition 32,987.
- ^ a b Hamilton, Adrian (28 February 2011) "Past masters of Futurism". The Independent, review of gallery show of Alberto della Ragione's collection of Italian paintings at the Estorick collection, from the 1930s to the 1950s, p. 18 Review section