Numéro 6, 1971

Ennio Morlotti   Famous Artists

Ennio Morlotti was an Italian painter born on September 21, 1910, in Lecco, Lombardy, and passed away on December 15, 1992, in Milan. Recognized for his central role in the 20th-century Italian art movement, his artistic journey is marked by a constant stylistic evolution and a profound exploration of the relationship between figure and landscape.

After initial professional endeavors unrelated to art, Morlotti decided in 1936 to fully dedicate himself to painting. He enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, studying under Felice Carena. Dissatisfied with the influence of Tuscan painting on his work, he left Florence for Paris in 1937. There, he discovered the works of Cézanne, Fauvism, and expressionists like Soutine and Rouault. The 1937 International Exposition in Paris, where he was profoundly impacted by Picasso's "Guernica," was a decisive turning point in his career. 

Returning to Italy, Morlotti settled in Milan and joined the "Corrente" group in 1939, alongside artists such as Ernesto Treccani, Renato Guttuso, Renato Birolli, and Bruno Cassinari. This collective sought to oppose the dominant artistic movements of the time, including Futurism and Novecento Italiano, advocating for a more expressive and less academic approach to art. 

In 1947, after a second stay in Paris, Morlotti participated in the "Fronte Nuovo delle Arti," a movement aiming to renew post-war Italian art. Later, in 1952, he joined the "Gruppo degli Otto" under the guidance of art critic Lionello Venturi. This group, dissolved in 1954, brought together artists sharing a common vision of modern art rooted in contemporary reality. 

Throughout his career, Morlotti explored various styles and techniques, transitioning from Cubist and Expressionist influences to a more abstract and informal approach. His works are characterized by rich pictorial matter and an intense color palette, reflecting his interest in the fusion between the human figure and the landscape. 

Notable works include "Le statue" (1942) and "La siesta" (1952). Morlotti participated in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including several editions of the Venice Biennale and the Rome Quadriennale. His works are now part of significant public and private collections, attesting to his lasting impact on the Italian and international art scene.