Created in 1931, “Brunella” belongs to an early yet already mature phase in the research of Bruno Saetti, an artist trained between Bologna and Venice and a leading figure in twentieth-century Italian figuration. In this work, in fact, his attention to the human figure clearly emerges, approached with an intimate and measured gaze.
The young protagonist is represented standing, captured in a moment of natural introspection. However, the scene does not indulge in sentimentalism: on the contrary, Saetti constructs the image through a solid and calibrated structure, in which drawing supports the form and colour modulates the volumes with delicate tonal variations. Moreover, the soft chromatic range helps to create a suspended atmosphere, consistent with the artist’s sensibility in the 1930s.
In that period, in fact, the artist engages with the Italian figurative tradition, while maintaining a personal search for synthesis. Therefore, “Brunella” is not only a child portrait, but also an example of his ability to combine direct observation and formal construction. The pictorial surface appears compact, while the light defines the contours without dramatic effects.
Not by chance, the work was awarded at the 3rd Quadriennale in Rome in 1939, a recognition that confirms the value of Saetti’s production at national level. Consequently, “Brunella” represents a significant testimony to Bruno Saetti’s artistic path, already oriented towards that figurative synthesis which would characterize his maturity.
Description: Oil on canvas, signed lower right Saetti, bearing on the reverse the inscription ‘N.883/Brunella/olio/dim 73×48/Saetti’, H cm 73×48.
Notes: Work accompanied by a certificate of authenticity on photograph and included in the Official Register of the work of Bruno Saetti with number 883. Work awarded at the 3rd Quadriennale in Rome in 1939 (reference bibliography).
Hammer Price: € 4.960,00
Auction 37 – 16 April 2020 – Paintings – Silver – Furniture – Art Works
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