I Macchiaioli

From 08 March 2008 to 27 July 2008

Masterpieces from the Mario Taragoni collectionThe Macchiaioli were an artistic group based in Tuscany in the second half of the 19th century who aimed to oppose the prevailing academicism, Romanticism and Neoclassicism of the time, thus evolving into a figurative expression of Realism. The painted subjects transmitted their reality through a heavy use of chiarascuro and contrast by the device of spots (macchie ) of colour, thus creating a more robust version of Pointillism. The artists associated with the group gathered in the Caff Michelangelo of Florence, though not all the group were of Tuscan origin: many were from other regions, and this gave the impetus for a more widespread influence of its styles and ideas. One of its greatest exponents was Giovanni Fattori, born in Livorno.

The exhibition takes place in Venice at the Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti and presents valuable works from this period, masterpieces long absent from the exhibition circuit, such as works by Silvestro Lega, Giovanni Fattori, Telemaco Signorini, Armando Spadini, Mario Puccini as well as numerous other 19th century important works from the collection of Mario Taratoni, financier, economist, and wealthy art collector, who has personally selected and presented the works from his magnificent collection. The exhibition boasts the patronage of the President of the Italian Republic and is promoted by the Region of Veneto, the Venetian Institute of Science, Letters and Art, Palazzo Franchetti and Arthemisia, with the contribution of the Province of Venice and the sponsorship of the Comune of Venice. The exhibition is organised and produced by Arthemisia.