The Gandolfi
In the second half of the 18th century, the artists Ubaldo, his brother Gaetano and his son Mauro were in first line when the Baroque manner turned into Neoclassicism.
Ubaldo and Gaetano
Both Ubaldo and his younger brother Gaetano, stood out as excellent draftsmen during their formation in the Clementina Academy in Bologna. Once they concluded their studies, they both found success among religious, national and international collectors.
By painting on different mediums, they showed how the baroque tradition of Bologna could merge with contemporary techniques and styles. Indeed, the roman, the venetian and the French style were very fashionable and highly on demand.
Zeus and Semete (1770 ca) by Gaetano GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Rendering a myth
Gaetano made a masterful use of colouring and shadowing in rendering the myth of Zeus and Semele. Semele, a mortal lover of Zeus asked the King of Gods to reveal himself in all his glory as proof of his divinity. Mortals, however, cannot look upon the gods: the brightness of the bolts of Zeus turned to be fatal to Semele.
In this painting with the use of vibrant colours and drawing, Gaetano captures the last gaze between the two impossible lovers.
In these portraits of Saint Paul and Saint John, Ubaldo used copper as a medium to accomplish a shinier effect, which enhance the glowing of the Saints.
This bust of Perseus, made by Ubaldo, show that also in sculpture the artist dimed the excess of Baroque in favour of a moderate style inspired by the Hellenic tradition.
Mauro Gandolfi
Mauro was the son of Gaetano. It was thanks to Mauro that the style of the Gandolfi became popular in Europe and North America. Mauro became professor of the Clementina Academy and his sketch for the flag of the Lomabary Legion of 1796 became the model for nowadays Italian flag.
Opere di Ubaldo, Gaetano e MauroBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
A comparison between the paintings of Ubaldo, Gaetano and Mauro highlights their commitment in keeping their style uniform, unique and of high quality.
Fondo Antico St.Helen discover the Cross (1775) by Ubaldo GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fondo Antico Madonna and Child appear to Saints George and Francis (1775) by Ubaldo GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fondo Antico Saint Pilgrim dei Laziosi (0) by Gaetano GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fondo Antico The Virgin appears to a Pope (0) by Gaetano GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fondo Antico St.Paul preaches in Athens (0) by Gaetano GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fondo Antico The Flight of Aeneas from Troy (1790 ca.) by Gaetano GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Fondo Antico Venus imprisoning Love (1770 - 1772) by Gaetano GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
Bust of a young lady (1790 - 1795 ca.) by Mauro GandolfiBiennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze
The evolution of the "Gandolfy style"
While keeping the iconic style the Gandolfi, in this artwork Mauro chooses a darker palette to enhance the mystery around the woman emerging from the shadows. This variation to the "Gandolfi style" represents an attention to the changes in tastes but also the constant research in testing new techniques.
We are grateful to the galleries: Fondoantico, Walter Padovani, Callisto Gallery.
We are grateful to Luigi de Benedetto for curating the contents.
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