Gallerie D'Italia - from Canova to Boccioni

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It was my last day in Milan. We visited Gallerie D'Italia, a gorgeous art gallery converted from a bank's building, historical and splendid. It features 19th and 20th century art collection owned by Intesa Sanpaolo. Thanks for its generosity.  Admission is free. The location is central, at the Piazza Scala.

Close to the entrance of Gallerie D'Italia was the exhibition of Rodolfo Arico.  But aligning with the tag line of the gallery, from Canova to Boccioni, I'll show you first Antonio Canova, my first beloved sculptor when I saw Psyche and Cupid in the Louvre in Paris back to 1991.  The gallery is devoted to art in 19th and 20th century.  The 19th century gallery is divided into 13 sections.  Section 1 is themed with Canova's 13 pieces elegant and graceful bas reliefs, from Homeric epic to Socratic ethics, from Christian virtues to enlightened philanthropy.


At time there was the exhibition of Rodolfo Arico.  It showcased his highly dramatic and expressive works.

 

Nearby is the twentieth century collection.  Art pieces are spread in 12 sections.









Various artist flight for your attention with abstract subjects and bright colours.  Those shown here are from Achille Perilli, Dadamaino (Eduarda Maino), Enrico Baj, Enrico Donati, Lucio Fontana, Mimmo Paladino, Pietro Consagra, Stefano Arienti and Toni Costa.

 

Between the sections I was attracted to a Girl Walking by Michelangelo Pistoletto.  Green blazer, skirt and handbag.  Sharp and delighted. Perhaps, it's because I like green.









I prefer the nineteen century art.  It is easier to perceive and understand. Of all I saw in the gallery I like very much the paintings from Francesco Hayez.  They are very vivid.  Each character is telling you a story.  And each individual section can be a painting on its own.  It is difficult to forget the scenes and their dramatic expressions.

 

Numerous paintings of life are displayed.  Some depict Milan such as the Cathedral, Navigli Canal and street scenes.  Some describe wars and all kinds of distress associated.

 
 
 

Life in the past was sad. Let's move to some more symbolic paintings. Like this by Filippo Carcano. It reminded me of Jesus as the good shepherd. Still symbolic and poetic.






Fairy tales!  This was my impression when I watched the symbolic paintings.  Freedom, magic, intimacy, another world and happiness were flipping on my mind.  The artists are: Giulio Aristide, Gaetano Previati and Bartolomeo Giuliano.

 
 

Last and a must: Umberto Boccioni.  I like the early Divisionism paintings, very different brushstrokes from his other futuristic work.

Donna in giardino, Umberto Boccioni

Three Women, Umberto Boccioni
Address:
6 Piazza della Scala, Milan
Location: 6, 20125 Milano, Italy

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